Ethical Considerations in Evaluation and Impact Assessment

Ethical integrity is central to program evaluation and impact assessment, ensuring that findings are not only methodologically sound but also socially responsible. This article explores five guiding principles—respect for persons, beneficence, justice, integrity, and accountability—and their application in nonprofit evaluation practice. It addresses critical concerns such as informed consent, confidentiality, equitable sampling, and bias mitigation, while emphasizing culturally sensitive and participatory approaches. Case illustrations from literacy, health, microfinance, and vocational training programs highlight how ethical dilemmas emerge in practice and how they can be addressed. The article argues that ethical evaluation goes beyond compliance, functioning as a driver of trust, legitimacy, and meaningful impact. By embedding ethics throughout the evaluation cycle, nonprofits can strengthen both accountability and inclusivity.