Abstract

This paper explores the concept of accountability in development efforts focusing specifically on member accountability. Accountability to members has been defined as the degree to which intended beneficiaries can hold decision-makers responsible for the outcomes of their decisions. A framework for assessing member accountability in grassroots organizations has been discussed. Data for this study were collected in four women's organizations working with income generating activities in India. A brief overview of the structures of each of the organizations is presented to enable a comparison of those structures. The findings of the study reveal that development organizations that are more member-accountable are likely to deliver greater economic and social benefits to their members