Kohti metodologista moninaisuutta? Seuranta- ja arviointitiedon ongelmat kansalaisjärjestöjen kehitysyhteistyön verkostoissa

Abstract

Towards methodological pluralism? Problems in monitoring and evaluating knowledge in the networks of development co-operation of non-governmental organisations This article examines challenges of monitoring and evaluating knowledge in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) engaged in development co-operation. The article presents central problems of NGOs identified in research literature and describes these problems using the current situation of World Vision Finland as an illustrative example. The problems described include measurement, attribution, accumulation, ownership and multiple interests. Each problem is connected to questions of forms of knowledge and their criteria of validity. The article argues that increased debate on methodological pluralism in knowledge production by NGOs can generate deeper understanding of current NGO challenges, and can suggest solutions. The combination of different forms of knowledge, qualified according to their specific criteria of validity, is proposed as an avenue for finding solutions to problems at hand.