Cultural competence: common practices, perceptions, and challenges of evaluators working cross-culturally.

Abstract

The field of program evaluation has become increasingly aware of the importance of cultural competence over the last few decades. Ignoring cultural differences in evaluations can result in poor data and decisions. Incorporating culture into evaluations makes them more valid and more ethical. This thesis reviews the literature around cultural competence and discusses the challenges that evaluators face. It also presents results from 12 interviews with evaluators who work cross-culturally. The results of the study reinforce the themes found in the literature and suggest that while evaluators may feel they can be culturally competent, additional resources and support may be needed to aid the process.