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Exploring the social accountability concept: a literature review

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  • Kuppens, Miet

Abstract

Increasing pressure on governments to demonstrate accountability and transparency has contributed to a multiplication of social accountability initiatives that aim to improve public accountability by strengthening civic engagement and good governance through a myriad of tools such as citizen monitoring or SMS-based complaint systems. The popularity of social accountability initiatives has not been matched with progress in the development of a sound theory on social accountability. This working paper presents existing literature on the topic of (social) accountability and highlights the shortcomings and gaps. We conclude with a brief outline of our own research agenda, which is based on the most recent conceptual development in social accountability literature, namely the distinction between tactical and strategic approaches towards social accountability. Jonathan Fox recently introduced the conceptual.

Suggested Citation

  • Kuppens, Miet, 2016. "Exploring the social accountability concept: a literature review," IOB Working Papers 2016.06, Universiteit Antwerpen, Institute of Development Policy (IOB).
    • Handle: RePEc:iob:wpaper:201606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fox, Jonathan A, 2007. "The uncertain relationship between transparency and accountability," Center for Global, International and Regional Studies, Working Paper Series qt8c25c3z4, Center for Global, International and Regional Studies, UC Santa Cruz.
    2. Martina Björkman & Jakob Svensson, 2009. "Power to the People: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment on Community-Based Monitoring in Uganda," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 124(2), pages 735-769.
    3. Mary McNeil & Carmen Malena, 2010. "Demanding Good Governance : Lessons from Social Accountability Initiatives in Africa," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 2478, December.
    4. de Wit, J.W. & Akinyoade, A., 2008. "Accountability in formal and informal institutions: a cross country analysis," ISS Working Papers - General Series 18729, International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS), The Hague.
    5. Unknown, 2007. "2007 Spring/Summer," CWAE Newsletter, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, Committee on Women in Agricultural Economics (CWAE), pages 1-14.
    6. Tsai, Lily L., 2007. "Solidary Groups, Informal Accountability, and Local Public Goods Provision in Rural China," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 101(2), pages 355-372, May.
    7. AlÌcia Adserý, 2003. "Are You Being Served? Political Accountability and Quality of Government," Journal of Law, Economics and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 19(2), pages 445-490, October.
    8. Deininger, Klaus & Mpuga, Paul, 2005. "Does Greater Accountability Improve the Quality of Public Service Delivery? Evidence from Uganda," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 171-191, January.
    9. John Gaventa & Rosemary McGee, 2013. "The Impact of Transparency and Accountability Initiatives," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 31, pages 3-28, July.
    10. Anne Marie Goetz & Rob Jenkins, 2001. "Hybrid Forms Of Accountability: Citizen engagement in institutions of public-sector oversight in India," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(3), pages 363-383, September.
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