1005 - Amplifying Equity in Evaluation: Transforming Compensation Practices

Abstract Information: In the realm of professional evaluation, many commonly accepted compensation practices inadvertently reinforce unequal treatment for staff and contractors, creating a dissonance with the equity-centered values that organizations strive to uphold. As we aim to amplify and empower diverse voices in evaluation, it is imperative to critically examine and transform these practices to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment in our organizations. In this professional development workshop, we will delve into the intricacies of employee and subcontractor compensation, challenging longstanding practices and exploring equitable alternatives. Drawing from a comprehensive compensation study conducted by the presenters, we will provide attendees with the tools to detect and address inequitable compensation practices. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn how to implement "bias interrupters" to counteract ingrained habits and promote fairness. Attendees will engage in a reflective exercise to develop an inventory of their current compensation practices. Guided by the principles of equity and inclusion, participants will identify actionable steps they can take in the near and mid-term to align their compensation practices with their values, thereby amplifying and empowering voices in evaluation. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to foster a more equitable and inclusive evaluation community, aligning their practices with the broader theme of the conference, and contributing to the advancement of the field.

Relevance Statement: Evaluation is fundamentally a service business, with staff being the main driver of clients' experiences and the quality of work. Organizations in the evaluation field often allocate 70% or more of their annual budget to staff-related costs, highlighting the critical importance of attracting and retaining top talent for success in evaluation roles, whether as consultants or internal staff. Many members of the American Evaluation Association (AEA) community hold positions of responsibility in setting compensation policies but come from diverse professional backgrounds with varying levels of experience in human resources. This diversity, coupled with a tendency towards on-the-job learning, means that compensation practices in evaluation are often developed ad hoc and may not always align with equity-centered values. In recent years, the evaluation field has taken a clearer stand on the role of evaluation professionals in supporting social change. The Statement on Cultural Competence in Evaluation urges evaluators to recognize power dynamics, and themes of equity, justice, anticolonialism, and culturally responsive practice have been prominent at AEA conferences. However, many compensation practices continue to run counter to these values and are rarely examined through an equity lens. This is particularly concerning given the demographic composition of the AEA, with a significant majority identifying as White and holding advanced degrees, which can perpetuate "centered" perspectives that overlook the marginalization of others. The  workshop, "Amplifying Equity in Evaluation: Transforming Compensation Practices," addresses this gap by critically examining and transforming compensation practices in the evaluation field. By exploring robust alternatives to traditional compensation practices, the workshop aims to better align practices with equity-centered values, thereby increasing employee and subcontractor engagement and retention. This is especially important for individuals from "centered" backgrounds, as it encourages active reflection on how seemingly neutral policies can further marginalize others. The workshop's relevance to the field of evaluation lies in its focus on practical strategies and tools for detecting and addressing inequitable compensation practices. We will share new data about evaluation firms’ compensation practices to root the session in facts, rather than conjecture. By providing attendees with the knowledge and skills to implement "bias interrupters" and develop an inventory of their current practices, the workshop contributes to the advancement of a more equitable and inclusive evaluation community. This aligns with relevant standards of quality in evaluation, which emphasize fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct. In summary, the proposed workshop adds to the knowledge in the evaluation field by addressing a critical yet often overlooked aspect of evaluation practice. It offers practical solutions for promoting equity and inclusion in compensation, which are essential for producing evaluations that are reflective of diverse perspectives and experiences. The workshop's value to the audience lies in its potential to empower evaluators to become agents of change, promoting equity and inclusion within their own organizations and the broader evaluation community.