How is program evaluation used to improve government performance?

• A. Systematically assesses programs for effectiveness, efficiency, and impact; informs decisions and budgeting.
• B. Only checks compliance with regulations.
• C. Measures staff satisfaction.
• D. Audits procurement contracts.

Answer: (A)

Program evaluation is the systematic assessment of a program’s effectiveness, efficiency, and impact. It looks at whether the program achieves its goals, uses resources wisely, and creates meaningful changes for the people or communities it serves. This evidence is what lets government decide whether to expand, modify, or terminate a program, and it directly informs budgeting and policy choices to improve overall performance. For example, evaluating a job training program might reveal how many participants gain employment, how much it costs per placed worker, and whether earnings improvements persist over time, guiding funding decisions and improvements to the program.

Other activities like checking compliance with regulations, measuring staff satisfaction, or auditing procurement contracts are important for governance and accountability, but they don’t necessarily show whether the program actually delivers the intended outcomes or uses resources efficiently.