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The accountability of Search and Rescue NGOs

Author

Listed:
  • Giacomo Manetti

    (University of Florence)

  • Carmela Nitti

    (University of Florence)

  • Marco Bellucci

    (University of Florence)

Abstract

Despite the lives saved in the Mediterranean Sea, NGOs engaged in Search and Rescue (SAR) activities are the object of delegitimization campaigns that hamper their operations. This exploratory study aims to understand a) the role of agenda-setting social media on NGOs' SAR activities and b) the effectiveness of social media in supporting dialogic accounting as a tool for reaffirming NGOs' legitimacy. Building on a conceptual framework based on agenda-setting and legitimacy theories, we devise a concurrent mixed-methods design based on a manual content analysis of NGOs' annual reports and an automated sentiment analysis around NGOs' Twitter accounts. Firstly, this investigation contributes to the literature on the role of socio-political debates and social media in shaping the legitimacy and accountability of NGOs engaged in SAR activities in the Mediterranean Sea. Secondly, our study advances the methodological literature on computer-assisted sentiment analyses with an empirically-grounded discussion of technical boundaries and future opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Giacomo Manetti & Carmela Nitti & Marco Bellucci, 2022. "The accountability of Search and Rescue NGOs," Working Papers - Business wp2022_02.rdf, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Scienze per l'Economia e l'Impresa.
    • Handle: RePEc:frz:wpmmos:wp2022_02.rdf
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    File URL: https://www.disei.unifi.it/upload/sub/pubblicazioni/repec/frz/wpmmos/pdf/wp02_2022.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    JEL classification:

    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship

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