Assignment 1: Ethical Dilemma You Learned In This Module

Assignment 1: Ethical Dilemma This module taught you that ethical practice during the evaluation process is vital to the reliability of the evaluation that is produced

Using the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet, research and read about the assignment topic. In a minimum of 200 words, respond to the following: Analyze Fiona's case from your textbook. What are the ethical issues that you believe she is facing?

What are the "benefits and costs" from Fiona's perspectives? What are the "benefits and costs" from the agencies' perspectives? If you were Fiona, what would be your decision (conduct the evaluation in-house or contract out)? What is your rationale for this decision?

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical dilemmas faced by Fiona in her evaluation case highlight the complex interplay between professional integrity, stakeholder interests, and organizational policies. Ethical practice is paramount in evaluation processes because it directly impacts the credibility, reliability, and validity of the findings, which in turn influence critical decisions affecting individuals and communities. Fiona’s primary ethical issues revolve around confidentiality, impartiality, and the potential for conflict of interest.

Confidentiality presents a significant concern, especially if Fiona considers outsourcing the evaluation to protect sensitive information or avoid conflicts within her organization. Impartiality is also at stake—she must ensure that her personal biases or organizational pressures do not influence the evaluation results. Finally, she must consider the ethical implications of possibly withholding or disclosing information that could harm or benefit stakeholders involved.

From Fiona’s perspective, the benefits of conducting the evaluation in-house include maintaining control over the process, ensuring confidentiality, and aligning the evaluation closely with organizational priorities. The costs might involve potential bias, lack of objectivity, or insufficient expertise, which could compromise the evaluation’s credibility.

Conversely, outsourcing the evaluation could provide professional expertise, increased objectivity, and potentially higher quality outcomes. However, the costs may include risks related to confidentiality breaches, loss of control over the process, and possible misalignment with the organization’s values or goals.

If I were Fiona, I would carefully weigh these factors and likely lean toward contracting out the evaluation if the expertise required exceeds internal capabilities and if the organization’s ethical standards prioritize objectivity and independence. The rationale for this decision is that an external evaluator can provide an unbiased perspective and adhere strictly to ethical standards, thereby enhancing the evaluation's credibility and utility. However, I would ensure that confidentiality agreements and ethical guidelines are rigorously enforced to mitigate risks associated with outsourcing.

References

• Babbie, E. (2017). The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning.
• Cousins, P. D., & Cummings, T. G. (2018). Managing Organizational Ethics: Coherent Strategies and Company Culture. Oxford University Press.
• Fitzpatrick, J. L., Sanders, J. R., & Worthen, B. R. (2011). Program Evaluation: Alternatives, Approach, and Methods. Pearson.
• Milstein, G. (2018). Ethical issues in evaluation practice. New Directions for Program Evaluation, 157, 41-52. https://doi.org/10.1002/ev.20365
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.
• Rossi, P. H., Lipsey, M. W., & Freeman, H. E. (2004). Evaluation: A Systematic Approach. Sage Publications.
• Shadish, W. R., Cook, T. D., & Campbell, D. T. (2002). Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Generalized Causal Inference. Houghton Mifflin.
• Twigg, D. E., & Berg, T. (2016). Ethical considerations in evaluation: A review. Evaluation and Program Planning, 57, 102-109.
• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
• Weiss, C. H. (1998). Evaluation: Methods for Studying Programs and Policies. Prentice Hall.