Local accountability of international NGOs: A study of World Vision, the host-state and beneficiary communities in Ethiopia

Abstract

Working in virtually all corners of the globe, managing billions of dollars, employing thousands of individuals, and influencing communities, corporations and states, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are pivotal actors in international affairs. As a result, there seems to be growing interest in INGO accountability among the public, states, INGOs themselves, and even corporations. However, there exist few empirical studies of accountability that (a) use a clear framework for analysing the extent of accountability, and (b) incorporate the perspectives of all parties to an accountability relationship. The research presented here is thus an in-depth organizational study of one INGO and its accountability towards the host-state and the beneficiary communities. Drawing primarily on qualitative data collected from World Vision Ethiopia (WVE), their beneficiaries, and the Ethiopian state, this thesis answers the question How and why are international NGOs like World Vision held to account by the host-state and beneficiary communities in Ethiopia? Using the accountability pyramid as the conceptual and analytical framework for studying accountability, and in empirically documenting the extent of accountability, this thesis concludes that INGOs like WVE are highly accountable to the Ethiopian state at various administrative levels and through multiple accountable mechanisms. By applying the P-A and social-oriented models of accountability, the thesis argues that Ethiopia’s external oversight as well as donor funding can complement WVE’s intrinsic motivations to be accountable to beneficiaries. The accountability environment in Ethiopia can lead to important positive outcomes for INGO beneficiaries and for development more broadly.