Books & Articles

1. Civil Society and Accountability; Journal of Human Development

Kaldor, M.; 2003; ‘Civil Society and Accountability’; Journal of Human Development; Vol. 4, No. 1; Carfax Publishing

This paper addresses the question of whether trust in civil society groups is justified when it comes to giving voice to the poor. It addresses the issue of accountability as it relates to civil society, defining ‘moral’ accountability as an organization’s accountability towards the people it was established to help, and procedural accountability as internal management. It draws a distinction between civil society and non-governmental organizations, and argues that the contradiction between ‘moral’ and ‘procedural’ accountability applies primarily to non-governmental organizations, a subset of civil society. Beginning with an overview of the concept of civil society and the relevance of voice, it develops a typology of civil society actors to clarify different forms of accountability, and concludes with policy recommendations.

Mclean, K., Helling, L, Orac, J; Serrano, R; June, 2006; ‘Exploring Partnerships between Communities and Local Governments in Community Driven Development: A Framework’; Paper No. 96, Social Development Papers; The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

This report presents a framework with which to analyze institutional options for partnering community based organizations (CBOs) with local governments (LGs) in community-driven development (CDD), illustrated through four country cases: Zambia, Tanzania, Nicaragua, and the Philippines. The report also addresses operational implications, a research agenda, and next steps.

3. Social Reporting and New Governance Regulation: The Prospects of Achieving Corporate Accountability through Transparency

Hess, D; 2007; Business Ethics Quarterly; ‘Social Reporting and New Governance Regulation: The Prospects of Achieving Corporate Accountability through Transparency’; Volume 17, Issue 3.

This paper argues that social reporting can be an important form of New Governance regulation to achieve stakeholder accountability. Current social reporting practices, however, fall short of achieving stakeholder accountability and actually may work against it. By examining the success and failures of other transparence programs in the United States, we can identify key factors for ensuring the success of social reporting over the long term. These factors include increasing the benefits-to-costs ratios of both the users of the information and the disclosers, and recognizing the importance of the involvement of third-party intermediaries.

4. The Role of Civic Engagement and Social Accountability in the Governance Equation; World Bank

Reuben, W.; March, 2003; ‘The Role of Civic Engagement and Social Accountability in the Governance Equation’; Note No. 75, Social Development Notes; World Bank.

This concept note outlines the fundamental tensions behind the governance equation, examines the strategic approaches that governments and civil society take toward each other, describes how civic engagement contributes to improving the legitimacy of public institutions through vertical mechanisms1 of accountability, and how social accountability can play a positive role in the governance equation.

Working papers/Case studies

1. Parliament, Accountability and Foreign Policy in the UK; Greenleaf Publishing and Accountability.

Wren, C.; 2005; ‘Parliament, Accountability and Foreign Policy in the UK’; Greenleaf Publishing and Accountability.

Much of the recent accountability debate has focused on the creation of informal structures to establish a web of accountability between different organisations and their stakeholders. As important as that is, it is essential that formal and democratic processes are also in place: there must be clear lines of accountability for the public through Parliament to the relevant organisations. A recent study, by the One World Trust, has found that Parliament is currently ill equipped through its processes and procedures to ensure effective accountability of international organisations.1 Reforms that would improve this situation, to allow Parliament to carry out its function at an international level, include reform of the Royal Prerogative, improving access to information (extending the rights under the Freedom of Information Act), mainstreaming of international affairs and ensuring that, as with other organisations, a culture of accountability is entrenched.

2. Accountability and Gross National Happiness; Dasho Meghraj Gurung, Bhutan Post

In this paper, the author attempts to examine the relationship between the issues of public accountability and the development philosophy of the King of Bhutan: ‘Gross National Happiness’ and the implications of this relationship on these issues.

3. The Enabling Environment for Social Accountability in Mongolia; World Bank

Beck, L, Mendal, T, Thindwa, J; June, 2007; ‘The Enabling Environment for Social Accountability in Mongolia’; Social Development Department, World Bank.

This paper proposes : 1) to analyze conditions that influence the ability of citizens and their organizations to promote accountability of public institutions in Mongolia; 2) to identify priority areas for policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional reforms to improve these conditions; and 3) to identify areas in which the capacity building of civil society organizations and the Government of Mongolia may be promoted to enhance social accountability for improved governance, social and economic development, and poverty reduction.