Accountability In Practice: Mechanisms for NGOs

Social Impact Measurement and Non-profit Organisations: Compliance, Resistance, and Promotion

“…These include the clients, other social purpose organisations, and so called patrons (Ebrahim, 2003). However these §stakeholders have diverse ideas about what and how activities should be measured (Kendall & Knapp, 2000).…”

“…Studies of international nongovernment organisations (NGOs) show that the way these organisations behave in relation to financial and social auditing can be strongly related to the power of outsiders (Ebrahim, 2003;O'Dwyer & Unerman, 2007). Ebrahim (2002) argues that power asymmetry is an essential component that influences the way NGOs experience new accountability regimes.…”

“…Social auditing and accountability controlled by outside stakeholders (Ebrahim, 2003(Ebrahim, , 2005, and conducted with the purpose of managing and mediating competition in the field of care and social mission, is causing discomfort (Turco, 2012). There is also fear that the auditing process, with ensuing performance management, has detrimental effects on organisational culture and staff morale (Christensen & Ebrahim, 2006;Hwang & Powell, 2004;Townley, 2011).…”

The donor–beneficiary charity accountability paradox: a tale of two stakeholders

“…Given the sizeable funds provided to charities, combined with highly publicized scandals, the extent to which charities are accountable for how they spend this money has received considerable attention, with the need for transparency being widely articulated (Ebrahim, 2003a;Cordery and Baskerville;2011;Ipsos Mori, 2012). The Charity Commission in England and Wales has been charged with enhancing charitable accountability, increasing public trust and promoting the effective use of charitable funds.…”

The Role and Effectiveness of the Haitian Diaspora in the Development of Haiti

“…Instead, according to Cantave (2006), Haiti relies on foreign aid managed by non-profit organizations (NGOs) that have engaged in a variety of social, environmental, civic, and political activities, to provide goods and services. This phenomenon has been increasingly common in Haiti for the fact that among donors (World Bank for example), these agencies are more cost-effective than governments in providing basic social services, are better able to reach the poor, and are key players in democratization processes (Ebrahim, 2003, Reimann, 2006. After February 7, 1986, from an authoritarian system, Haiti entered a new paradigm of system-changing, which was the democracy.…”