Accountability, motivation and practice: NGOs North and South

ISSN： 1470-1197

Source： Social & Cultural Geography, Vol.5, Iss.2, 2004-06, pp. : 271-284

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Abstract

The vast cheapening and acceleration of communication between distant strangers has facilitated the formation of a transnational community of development non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in poorer countries. These carry funds and specific discourses and practices to most corners of the globe, and bring back information and images that attract more funding and legitimization to donors and NGOs. A managerial revolution through which specific governments sought to control costs and increase governability in the public sector has been extended to NGOs, North and South, so that significant overlaps may be found. In exploring some ethical issues involving NGOs North and South, we find that many arise from this managerial revolution and from very uneven accountability. Problems discussed include negative outcomes of the audit culture, transparency and legitimation. Misrepresentation by donors and NGOs, conceivably on ethical grounds, faces academics with complex choices. What are the risks to the poor of academic exposures of prevalent corruption, or misuses of gatekeeper roles, or NGO actions which may be 'good' for the majority in the short term, 'bad' in the long run?