ABSTRACT
This chapter examines evaluation utilization in organizations, using the extensive experience gained in the Canadian federal government with evaluation units in departments. It presents data and insight gained from evaluation practice in Canadian federal departments and agencies and aims to propose a conceptual supply/demand model to explain the nature and extent of evaluation utilization in organizations. The model suggests that evaluation utilization in an organization is best enhanced by evaluators proactively balancing the demand for evaluative information with its supply. Evaluation in the government of Canada has been part of the management of departments since 1977. Management styles and systems change over time both within organizations and across government. A credible evaluation function that is seen as a useful and important part of the management of an organization can influence the articulation and the demand for performance information.
