Our Global Community: Meet Michael Quinn Patton

In this episode, Dr. Michael Quinn Patton (aka MQP) joins me to talk about his work. He is a prolific writer and deep thinker and has influenced the career of many evaluators. 

In this episode we discuss:

• How his work has changed over time. You will hear about utilization-focused evaluation,  developmental evaluation,  and the use of a principles approach to evaluation.
• How he thinks about “community.” 
• Why understanding “systems” is hard for many community members and how those of us who work with them can help them begin to think from a system perspective. Hint: Metaphor and story helps!
• How operating from principles  can serve as a guide for community coalitions and other community-based organizations.
• Thinking and acting locally and globally.
• Why virtual connections are our future.
• How connecting with each other can help with so many social problems.
• What he is working on now.

Bio
Michael Quinn Patton an independent evaluation and organizational development consultant based in Minnesota, USA. He is former President of the American Evaluation Association (AEA) and author of eight major evaluation books including a 5th edition of Utilization-Focused Evaluation and 4th edition of Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods used in over 500 universities worldwide. He has also authored books on Practical Evaluation, Creative Evaluation, and Developmental Evaluation: Applying Systems Thinking and Complexity Concepts to Enhance Innovation and Use. He co-authored a book on the dynamics of social innovation and transformation with two Canadians entitled Getting to Maybe: How the World is Changed. He is recipient of the Myrdal Award for Outstanding Contributions to Useful and Practical Evaluation Practice, the Lazarsfeld Award for Lifelong Contributions to Evaluation Theory, and the 2017 Research on Evaluation Award, all from AEA. EvalYouth recognized him with the first Transformative Evaluator Award in 2020. He regularly conducts training for The Evaluators’ Institute and the International Program for Development Evaluation Training.  In 2018 he published books on Principles-Focused Evaluation (Guilford Press) and Facilitating Evaluation: Principles in Practice (Sage Publications). In 2020 his new book on evaluating global systems transformations was published entitled Blue Marble Evaluation: Premises and Principles.  He has also co-edited a book entitled THOUGHT WORK: Thinking, Action, and the Fate of the World (Rowman & Littlefield Publishing, 2020).

Connect with Michael on his website:

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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Community Possibilities is Produced by Zach Price
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com