Public Policy Evaluation in France

In: Journal of policy analysis and management: the journal of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, Band 5, Heft 1, S. 58-72

Abstract

The character of evaluation & the use of evaluative data in France are explored in a survey of 300 a posteriori analyses that assessed the outcomes of public policies between 1971 & 1983. Of these, 269 evaluations were categorized according to subject area of programs evaluated, 250 according to the nature of implementing devices, 232 by evaluator, & 251 by initiator of evaluation. Findings show a relatively high number of social program evaluations, which were usually initiated by the government research services, Us, & the press. All types of public policy were evaluated, with emphasis on regulatory policies. The largest number of evaluators were professionals from research organizations, & evaluations were chiefly initiated by administrators of such organizations. Although increasing interest in evaluation in recent years is noted, the process is not uniform, codified, or rigorous, & is poorly integrated into the decision-making process. Strong political pressure would be needed to move the government toward an effective appraisal system. 5 Tables. Modified HA