Premium
NGO Accountability from an NGO Perspective: Perceptions, Strategies, and Practices
Author(s) -
AbouAssi Khaldoun,
Trent Deborah L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
public administration and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1099-162X
pISSN - 0271-2075
DOI - 10.1002/pad.1764
Subject(s) - accountability , extant taxon , framing (construction) , perception , public relations , public administration , political science , element (criminal law) , perspective (graphical) , psychology , law , neuroscience , artificial intelligence , computer science , structural engineering , evolutionary biology , biology , engineering
Summary Extant research in the nonprofit literature focuses on non‐governmental organization (NGO) accountability, framing it relationally. We examine the interplay of several constitutive elements of NGO–donor relationships based on narratives of NGO executives and other staff: NGO perceptions of accountability and of their donors, their assumptions about donor perceptions of the NGO role and expectations of NGO accountability, and their responses to shifts in donor funding. We argue that perceptions and practices of accountability do not only determine to whom an NGO should be primarily accountable but also shape NGO behavior and alter dependence on donors. As such, accountability is not necessarily a consequence of a relationship, but more likely a constitutive element of the relationship. While a favorable response to donor interests might signify upward accountability, it might also suggest that NGOs are more assertive about managing their institutional environments, thereby mitigating their dependence on donors. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.