Capturing Bhutan's Cultural Uniqueness: A Culturally Responsive Critique of a Bhutanese Evaluation Report
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| Title: | Capturing Bhutan's Cultural Uniqueness: A Culturally Responsive Critique of a Bhutanese Evaluation Report |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Phuntsho Choden (ORCID |
| Source: | American Journal of Evaluation. 2024 45(3):451-466. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Cultural Influences, Cultural Relevance, Evaluation Methods, Test Construction, Context Effect, Teamwork, Data Use, Buddhism, Interpersonal Relationship, Youth Employment, Employment Programs, Program Evaluation |
| Geographic Terms: | Bhutan |
| DOI: | 10.1177/10982140241265593 |
| ISSN: | 1098-2140 1557-0878 |
| Abstract: | Bhutan's overarching development paradigm of Gross National Happiness (GNH) promotes a harmonious balance between material and non-material dimensions. But Bhutan's evaluation practice has not yet adopted the principles of GNH, preventing evaluation findings and recommendations from aligning with the priorities of GNH. This article makes the case that Culturally Responsive Evaluation (CRE) is a potential way that Bhutan can ensure evaluation is aligned with GNH. Authors analyze a recent, critical evaluation of the Direct Employment Scheme (DES), initiated by the Bhutanese government to increase youth employment. Authors developed a CRE assessment tool to understand whether and how the DES evaluation conformed to CRE. Findings of the review focused on five themes: (1) understanding context, (2) seeking advice, (3) forming an evaluation team, (4) methodology, and (5) understanding evaluation findings. Authors conclude with a discussion about how a CRE approach would have better ensured evaluation responsiveness to Bhutan's interests. This article contributes to discussions about criticisms that evaluation in the Global South does not serve in-country needs. It also holds the promise of providing evidence about how evaluation can support achieving Bhutan's goal of Gross National Happiness. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1443598 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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