Evaluation Ethics: A Conceptual Framework

Evaluation is a systematic activity that some evaluating criteria are assigned for performing it and some information is provided for describing the current status of a phenomenon. Then، the current status is compared with these criteria to evaluate the phenomenon. It is necessary for an evaluator to decide what resources and methods they use for selecting، collecting and analyzing the evaluating criteria and how to delive their findings for improving the situations. As a result، the nature of evaluation makes many conditions ethically challengeable and problematic for evaluators. This study aimed to provide a conceptual framework for evaluation ethics in order to propose some codes for evaluators. The article proposes a conceptual framework for evaluation ethics by using analytical-deferential method. Achieving a unified definition of evaluation is possible only by considering the components of its different definitions. Regarding the three common components included in all definitions of evaluation، evaluation ethics can be conceptualized in three areas: 1) methodic data collection، 2) methodic judgment about findings، and 3) deciding on and attempting to improve the current status. Each area involves some special ethical subcomponents and principles. Evaluation needs evaluators to obey ethical principles due to its multiple natures and the necessity to achieve reliable output for better deciding to improve the current situations of organizations and programs. Then، a conceptual framework should be taken into account for obeying ethical principles in evaluation process.