Kriisinhallinnan vaikuttavuuden arviointi toimintana Suomessa

Authors

• Johanna Hakanen Kriisinhallintakeskus (CMC Finland)
• Jyrki Ruohomäki Kriisinhallintakeskus (CMC Finland)

Keywords:

Effectiveness, evaluation, crisis management

Abstract

Effectiveness is a key concept in crisis management. However, despite previous recommendations, many reports state that effectiveness or impact evaluations are not conducted on a systematic basis in Finland. Discussion about effectiveness resurfaced again after the ending of crisis management missions in Afghanistan, and several reports on the topic have been drawn up since then. These reports on the Finnish participation in Afghanistan provide an opportunity to assess how effectiveness and objectives are conceptualised and used in Finland, in the context of crisis management.

Our analysis is that the reports seem to have differing functions or purposes. The self-evaluations conducted by the Ministries can be categorised as having political functions, aimed at validating participation through objectives which have been determined afterwards. The more independent reviews, on the other hand, have a functional nature, meaning that their main purpose is to produce information and knowledge to support enhancing effectiveness of crisis management in the future. The different natures of the reports are also reflected in how they define effectiveness.

A systematic and context sensitive evaluation process is needed to further develop the effectiveness of crisis management. The evaluation should be set on the same hierarchical level as the evaluated objectives. Simultaneously, it is essential to have more transparency in objectives that the Finnish participation in crisis management is based upon.