Performance Evaluation: Proven Approaches for Improving Program and Organizational Performance

KEY POINTS

• Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation begin with reaction and move sequentially through learning, behavior, and finally results.
• The most commonly used level of evaluation is Kirkpatrick's first level: reaction.
• Although the sequential and causal relationship among the four levels is essential to the model, existing research does not establish the truth of these relationships.
• The third and fourth levels are difficult to measure reliably.
• Kirkpatrick's model of the four levels of evaluation, well known in the performance improvement field, has received much criticism.