Hari Srinivas, GDRC Coordinator

NGO accountability covers issues such as organizational management, project implementation, financial management and information disclosure. It is related with issues such as answerability, responsibility, liability, dependability, conscientiousness, reliability, trustworthiness, legitimacy, and transparency.

NGOs fulfill a number of functions in areas which tend to be neglected by the private and public sectors. Due to declining public sector/governmental provision of services in many countries, NGOs have played an increasingly influential role in a variety of activities which impact upon the lives of many people.

But why do we have to look at NGO Accountability? There are a number of reasons: There has been a rising visibility and stakes of NGOs' work. A crisis of legitimacy in many sectors, especially business and government, has amplified the need for NGOs as a 'counterbalance'. More vocal advocacy by NGOs has also challenged the work of corporations, governments and international organization, which in turn has elicited counterattacks. Their potential to address institutional failures (formal and/or informal) for global problems is also being increasingly recognized.

On the other hand, cases of NGO misconduct in advocacy, fund use, management, and governance, have come to light, questioning their very legitimacy and congruency with social values and expectations. Some NGO have also ignored the fact that they are answerable to key stakeholders and the constituency that they work with, for promises of performance.

It is for these reasons that we need greater NGO accountability. NGO roles in problem-solving - human rights, poverty, environment, peace-building etc. - is increasing. There is a need for enhanced accountability in all sectors to foster and consolidate greater democracy. NGO credibility is also needed to help create institutional arrangements for global governance in a shrinking and interdependent world.

---

Return to NGO Accountability