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Process Tracing the Policy Impact of ‘Indicators’

Author

Listed:
  • D. J. H. Lintelo

    (University of Sussex)

  • T. Munslow

    (Durham University)

  • K. Pittore

    (Wageningen University and Research)

  • R. Lakshman

    (University of Sussex)

Abstract

In recent years, a range of new indices, benchmarking and scorecard tools—also known as ‘indicators’—have been developed to influence public policy and to promote accountability. While subjected to important technical and political critiques, the policy impact of ‘indicators’ is often assumed yet rarely demonstrated. Suitable evaluative methods are in their infancy. This article adopts an innovative process tracing analysis to assess the policy impact of the Hunger And Nutrition Commitment Index (HANCI) in Bangladesh, Malawi, Nepal, Zambia and globally. We present a rare and empirically rich application of this systematic qualitative evaluative method. We further contribute to the theorisation of ‘indicators’ by positing a central role for equitable producer–user relations in mediating policy impact, and demonstrate that such relations can overcome significant political critiques on ‘indicators’.

Suggested Citation

  • D. J. H. Lintelo & T. Munslow & K. Pittore & R. Lakshman, 2020. "Process Tracing the Policy Impact of ‘Indicators’," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(4), pages 1312-1337, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:32:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1057_s41287-019-00244-0
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-019-00244-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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