On James Bond and the importance of NGO accountability

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out key issues in the academic study of non‐governmental organisation (NGO) accountability, and to introduce papers appearing in this special issue on NGO accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discussion paper exploring key issues theoretically.

Findings

The paper finds that there are many aspects of NGO accountability which should be explored in greater depth in future studies. Several other issues have been examined in the papers in this special issue of Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal.

Research limitations/implications

There is a possibility that the issues explored in this paper, and the other papers in this special issue, will lead to a considerable growth in academic studies in this area.

Practical implications

The paper is a contribution to the growing debate on NGO accountability.

Originality/value

The paper sets an agenda for research into NGO accountability.

Citation

Unerman, J. and O'Dwyer, B. (2006), "On James Bond and the importance of NGO accountability", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 305-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513570610670316