Dr Richard Gunton | A Pluralistic Evaluation Framework that Responds to the Complex Challenges We Face

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Dr Richard Gunton | A Pluralistic Evaluation Framework that Responds to the Complex Challenges We Face

Jul 24, 2024 | behavioural sciences, business and economy

About this episode

Societies across the world are facing complex sustainability challenges. We are changing the climate, over-consuming resources, and failing to appreciate the connections between water, energy, and food systems. However, well-meaning policy responses can often produce unintended consequences and controversy, because important factors are overlooked. Many existing evaluation methods focus on accountability and whether a policy has achieved stated objectives. This does not address whether the outcomes have delivered real benefits in the eyes of all stakeholders. There is an urgent need for a more inclusive tool to shape and evaluate policies.

Dr Richard Gunton and his colleagues argue that we need open-ended, pluralistic evaluation, and offer a framework for delivering it. They developed their Pluralistic Evaluation Framework through a process of workshops and engagement with experts. It has three key stages, or pillars.

First, the user identifies functional groups of stakeholders, using categories based on their characteristics or concerns. This provides a convenient way to model the interests of real people and organisations. Any one of these is likely to play multiple roles.

Second, the user consults scientists and other experts to map the real-world systems in play, and processes that may be affected. These could be natural, such as ecosystem dynamics; personal, such as experiences of wellbeing; and cultural, such as social life, the economy and dynamics of care.

Finally, stakeholders are consulted about the full range of ways in which they may value these processes and impacts. For example, local people might value a change of management in a green space for psychological and aesthetic reasons, but worry that it will be detrimental for social and moral reasons. Ecologists might value the change for its biodiversity impacts, while budget holders may value economic efficiencies.

When conflict occurs, the framework facilitates discussions, and can help identify creative solutions. The user can then draw the information together to arrive at a more balanced solution, taking into account the knowledge of relevant experts and the diverse values and interests of stakeholders.

The Pluralistic Evaluation Framework is inspired by Reformational Philosophy. This school of thought describes a pluralistic structure of reality that is reflected in the diversity of human society, activities and values in everyday life. This same structure is also described by diverse academic disciplines, from physics to social sciences and law – providing a strong connection between stakeholders’ experience of a situation and scientific insights that can help address it.

The framework offers a comprehensive, standardised, context-sensitive tool for more participatory decision-making and finding solutions to so-called ‘wicked problems’. It can be used in government policymaking, business strategizing, charity projects, and applications in many other sectors.

To get involved, join the ‘Pluralistic Evaluation Framework’ LinkedIn group.

Original Article Reference

Summary of the article ‘Valuing beyond economics: A pluralistic evaluation framework for participatory policymaking’, in Ecological Economics, doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2022.107420