Summary

"The data collected through extensive interviews with the NGO functionaries and beneficiaries are rich and analysed competently. Case studies of a few beneficiaries add to the understanding of the process of empowerment. The Index of Member-Accountability developed by the author is interesting and could be a powerful tool of analysis for understanding the organisational dynamics of NGOs. It indicates the effectiveness of individual organisations, their levels of accountability and the benefits accrued to the members¼. The book under review will certainly interest development workers besides national and international donor agencies and policy makers. It is a valuable addition to the literature on NGOs in India and deserves due attention."--The Journal of Entrepreneurship"The author''s familiarity with the NGOs is evident throughout the book¼. The book reflects the hard work she has put into trying to understand a relatively unexplored area. The book is also timely¼. A healthy relationship between the governmental and non-governmental sectors has to be devised through wide discussion and consensus. The book could help understand the need for this debate, and is therefore to be welcomed. The book is easy to read, as it is simple in style and straight in method."--Indian Journal of Gender Studies"The study is very representative. It very successfully codifies the signal factors in the effective operation of the NGO''s. As the perspective projects the member-participant viewpoint, as against the commonly-projected donor-organisational one, the analysis is significant.... By analysing the social and economic ties of the NGO''s ant their members in terms of benefits and advantages, the study exposes the close interaction, their effective role in overall upliftment, and also explores the possible long-term implications."--Business Line"A pioneering work in the field of development studies, this book goes beyond the traditional framework of understanding accountability in terms of financial accounting and constitutes a landmark in terms of conceptualizing accountability to members.... A unique feature of this book is that it highlights the benefits accruing to the members from the perspective of the members themselves rather than from the generally prevalent point of view of donors or development organizations.... A signal contribution to our understanding of development issues, this book will be of considerable interest to those involved in community development, women''s studies and sociology, as well as to practitioners, scholars and policy makers engaged in grassroots development."--Development and Cooperation"This is a pioneering study of the nature and extent of the accountability of any nongovernmental organization (NGO) towards its members or intended beneficiaries and the effects of such accountability on the overall performance of the organization. . . . The empirical data pertaining to the different aspects of the work of the four NGOs have been attractively presented. . . . The volume is a valuable addition to the meager literature concerning the relative performances of different NGOs in rural India."--The HinduThe concept of member accountability has received only scant attention in development literature. A pioneering work in the field of development studies, this insightful book goes beyond the traditional framework of understanding accountability in terms of financial accounting and constitutes a landmark in terms of conceptualizing accountability. The author develops tools for assessing member accountability based on case studies of four grassroots organizations involved in income-generating activities for women in India. Through these case studies, the author also examines the functioning and management styles of voluntary organizations and sheds fresh light on the need to generate and implement economic activities for women as a means of enhancing their self-reliance, prestige, and decision-making roles in society.A benchmark in the field of development studies, this incisive study will be of interest to students and scholars in development studies, sociology, women''s studies, economics, and political science.