Evaluation Sourcebook (.pdf) - School of Natural Resources and ...

INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES THREATS ASSETS STRATEGIESIn sections about ecological and social topics, specific suggestions for data sources are givenfor each topic. Because the type of information you will use to evaluate organizationalobjectives is so similar across different objectives, we list them all together here.Data sources for assessing Organizational Objectives• Written materials such as meeting agendas and minutes, phone logs, accounting andhuman resources records, attendance records or your group’s financial and strategicplanning documents• Participant (staff, stakeholders, volunteers) interviews, questionnaires and selfassessments• External sources such as community newspapers, funders, other groups or targetedphone interviews.Use integrative indicators of an overall effective processThere are many different aspects of your organization you could measure, and you shouldfocus on those issues most important to your situation. There are also a few indicators thatcut across many of the organizational process themes covered here. They might reflectgood leadership, effective planning processes, good relationships or some combination ofdifferent organizational objectives. You can use them as overall measures of theeffectiveness of your organizational process. Retention rate or turnover of staff and board membersClarity of statements about the project (clear mission statements, easilyunderstood intent or plan, etc.)Survey of staff or members of the collaborative: Is it fun?Sustained fundingPercent of people offered a position with the organization who acceptOn-the-ground ecological or social changes related to project effortsConsider related organizational issuesJust like your ecological and social objectives, there may be threats and assets hindering orhelping progress toward your organizational and other objectives (Organizationalweaknesses, p. 148 and Organizational strengths, p. 168) and there are a specific set ofstrategies you engage in to achieve your organizational objectives (Organizationalmanagement, p. 202).Next: Two-page spreads on specific organizational objectivesEvaluation Sourcebook 91