Evaluating organizations with multiple goals

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Evaluating organ izati

An 'interested parties' group provides a useful multiple perspective

with multiple goals

Mike Clemson and Mike Jackson

social needs of Beverley Borough than of a general

This article discusses some difficulties encountered in designing evaluation systems for organizations sen/Ing

assertion of the value of putting into practice the functions

multiple goals, and suggests how these might be overcome. The particular focus of attention is the

of a CVS. This assertIon was supported by letters from other recently-established CVSs in the county, and the

recently-established council for voluntaiy service (CVS) for Beverley Borough on Humberside. The work of the

fact that CVS activities had been tried, tested and adapted

over many years in many other districts. There was an

CVS is described, and the role that a well-designed

assumption that the new CVS was bound to influence the

quality of life, because it would serve in effect as an

evaluation system could play in its future development is explained. Some problems confronting those who would judge the performance of such a body are detailed

insurance policy that the cause of the disadvantaged was being championed.

- a major difficulty being the many different viewpoints

The Wolfendon Committee (1978), examining the role of what it called 'generalist intermediary bodies', defined the functions of a CVS under four main heads:

possible about what is meant by 'success' fora CVS. The

literature on evaluating organizational performance is

then examined briefly, to see how ¡t suggests coping with

these problems. lt is found that, although traditional approaches to evaluation are wanting, a modern 'multiactor' approach, which has emerged simultaneously from a number of sources, does seem highly relevant. The actual evaluation system established in the CVS is then set out, showing how it has been incorporated as

Development - the establishment of new voluntary

overcomes the problems of evaluating organizations with multiple goals, and how, in doing so, it realizes many of

and between these organizations and statutory

organizations after research into perceived community needs.

Supportto existing voluntary organizations - ranging from typing to information, training, premises, etc.

part of a development strategy for the CVS, how it

Liaison between respective voluntary organizations agencies.

the aspirations of the multi-actor theorists. lt is argued,

Representation of the views of the voluntary

in conclusion, that since organizations - including

organizations to statutory agencies.

commercial and business concerns - are best seen as serving multiple goals, the approach adopted in the CVS can provide a model of quite general applicability.

The newly-appointed CVS development officer was therefore confronted with a list of functions typical of many CVSs. As a project of the sponsoring body, the

Councils for voluntary service in England exist to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged people by developing and supporting vo