Stakeholder involvement in realist evaluation: A scoping review and best fit framework synthesis

As a theory-driven evaluation design grounded in the critical realism philosophy, realist evaluation relies on eliciting the assumptions of stakeholders about how programmes are expected to produce outcomes. Little is known about key principles for involving stakeholders in realist evaluations. In this scoping review of realist evaluation studies, we explored how stakeholders were involved in the conduct of realist evaluation. A total of 26 'participatory' realist evaluation studies have been included. We analysed the approach to the involvement of stakeholders, using an analytical framework rooted in existing theories and models of participatory research and evaluations, using a 'Best Fit Framework Synthesis' methodology. We found a large range of approaches to stakeholder involvement, related to the types of stakeholders involved, their depth of involvement and means by which researchers/evaluators fostered their involvement. We discuss key lessons learnt and contribute to foster transparent and meaningful involvement of stakeholders in Realist Evaluation.