Evaluation processes: Lessons from Bateson’s second order learning

In English This paper focuses on learning and reflection in evaluation processes. The needs and focus of evaluation change over the life of an Information System (IS) project. Evaluation does not necessarily always equal analysis, however, a meaningful evaluation can only be done if combined with analysis of the context. Evaluation processes must include some learning element to be contextually relevant. To understand evaluation processes, particularly learning processes, we draw upon Gregory Bateson's (1972) framework of multiple orders of learning. An example of an initial framework for supporting different levels of learning in IS evaluation is presented.