Exploring Problem-Solving Preferences, Expressed Identity, Identity Integration, and Coping Behavior of Evalpreneurs in the United States: A Phenomenography Study

Abstract

Evaluation and entrepreneurship are two transdisciplinary fields that form the emerging field of "evalpreneurship." At this intersection are evalpreneurs‒professionals who not only lead and conduct evaluations but also manage evaluation consulting businesses, whether for-profit or nonprofit. Across the United States, a growing number of independent evaluation consultants have established businesses serving a wide range of clients, often involving collaboration with others. While evalpreneurs are gaining prominence, little research examines how their problem-solving styles intersect with other aspects of their expressed identities within their evaluation consulting work. Exploring this integration is crucial for understanding the underlying factors that shape their decision-making, leadership, and collaboration. To address this gap, this study employed a qualitative research design, informed by quantitative survey data and descriptive analysis of KAI scores. Grounded in a conceptual Organismic Social-Behavioral Perspective (OSBP) conceptual framework, and phenomenography, the study explored similarity and difference in expressed identity, identity integration, and coping behavior among adaptive and innovative evalpreneurs. Findings indicate that evalpreneurs perceive their problem-solving style as a defining aspect of their professional identity, influencing how they behave (solve problems). Participants described evidence of coping behavior and how their identities are expressed and integrated. This study provides new insight into the lived experiences of evalpreneurs, offering implications for evaluation practice, leadership, and professional development. Data from this study provides information to better inform problem-solving skills and coping practices and includes recommendations for future research.