Accountability  autonomy  and authenticity: assessing the development waltz conducted to a 'kwaito' beat in Southern Africa

Abrahams, Mark A

Accountability autonomy and authenticity: assessing the development waltz conducted to a 'kwaito' beat in Southern Africa

Journal Article

2008

Journal Title

Development in Practice

Link to Journal

http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09614520701778348

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

The Centre for Open Learning (COL)

Faculty

Centre for Higher Education Development

Abstract

For the purposes of accountability and uniformity, and as a way of giving insight into their intellectual capital regarding development practices, NGOs in Southern Africa are required by donor agencies to describe their intended activities in very clear, unambiguous terms. These requirements may include the expression of theoretical approaches, the development of logical frameworks, clear objectives, indicators for success, criteria for sustainable development, and relationships to government policies. However, the interface between reality and these planning measures and tools, most often completed without the input and contributions of the communities whom they are to serve/service, produces a much more messy, dynamic, and involved picture of the development process. None the less, the NGOs are still required to be accountable on the basis of their original proposal and planning. The author presents examples of this phenomenon and discusses the challenges facing an evaluator when dealing with competing principles of accountability, autonomy, and authenticity.

Description

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Development in Practice on 21 January 2008, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09614520701778348.