Participatory Inquiry in Practice [PIP]: NGO Accountability, Action Research and Urban Youth in Kampala

Globally Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) wield a tremendous amount of political and resource power. The nature and underlying values of these organisations often leads them to work with marginalised and vulnerable individuals, in some of the world’s most challenging environments. However, with the rise of new managerialism and recognition of failings within the sector, it is no longer viewed as acceptable for NGOs merely to have good intentions. Today it is widely accepted that NGOs must ensure and demonstrate responsible action. They must be accountable.

This study utilised a unique multi-dimensional approach to action research to explore the subject of NGO accountability. Utilising cycles of action and reflection, three separate dimensions of action research were run concurrently. Within the individual dimension of the inquiry, I entered a practice setting to explore the experience of NGO practitioners. The individual dimension of action research refers to how, over a year and a half, I worked within the Ugandan NGO, UYDEL, whilst rigorously collecting data regarding my experience. When in Uganda, it is important to note that I joined two other practitioners within an action research group. The practitioner-based dimension of the action research describes the weekly, collaborative process of action and reflection which was undertaken in order to enhance practice.

The youth-led dimension of the action research methodology refers to 96 group sessions which were held with 20 young women from the slums of Kampala. Over the period of a year, the group members selected a subject of concern and developed research to explore this issue. Whilst many of the group members had limited educational or group experience, they were able to design, implement and analyse three separate surveys with over 500 participants. By utilising collective power, the groups were able to acquire new insights into issues, whilst working in exceptionally challenging environments and overcoming several significant challenges. This research led to an advocacy campaign on urban crime and the establishment of a youth-led business. The youth-led action research emerged from the development of a theoretically informed practice model which was designed to enhance NGO accountability. Whilst I initially developed the practice model it was refined and adapted over the year. The collaborative practitioner-based action research enabled the model to evolve from the on-going learning of practitioners.

The inquiry contributes to evident gaps in knowledge by providing a rare account of the experience of NGO practitioners, trying to manage accountability in an authentic practice-based setting. From this experience, the complexity of accountability was highlighted. For example, it is evident that the NGO practitioners’ attempts to create equality between accountability actors were inhibited by visible, hidden, and invisible forms of power. Power emerged through the language and systems of accountability.

The inquiry also manages to identify some functional ways to enhance accountability. The importance of the human dimension of accountability is emphasised. It is asserted that to enhance accountability, relationships need to develop. Furthermore, it is argued that it is integral to support practitioners and to encourage reflexive and adaptive processes. Most importantly concepts of empowerment need to be reviewed in light of the data which highlights the importance of a liberating approach. The study concludes by recognising the potential for further inquiry and how complexity theory may be of particular interest.