Highlights
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Beneficiary accountability is a contested and misunderstood term.
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We offer a conceptual framework of beneficiary accountability.
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It is casually demanded and action-based.
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It is also quasi-instrumental and focuses on beneficiary self-reliance.
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NGOs can discharge beneficiary accountability by involving its stakeholders.
Abstract
Beneficiary accountability (BA) by NGOs is a contested notion. Extant research suggests disparity and complexity over its meanings, practices and forms. Its operationalisation, although important, has been a challenge for the NGO scholars, practitioners, donors and the relevant policymakers. In this study, we offer a conceptual framework of BA based on extensive literature review. It highlights four key attributes of BA – casually demanded, action based, quasi-instrumental and focuses on beneficiary self-reliance. We then empirically illustrate the framework by drawing evidence from a case study. The data for this research has been collected via a fieldwork based case study in Indonesia and the methods employed include interviews, focus groups, observation and documentary analysis.