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Symmetrical Communication in Development: A Critical Review of its Effect on Downward Accountability of NGOs.

Arnold, Malte LU (2014) STVK12 20141
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This thesis is located at the intersection of two concepts: accountability in and communication for development. Two review chapters provide an overview of their general reception in the development discourse, relevant definitions and the significance both concepts have gained for the work of development NGOs. Within each concept the thesis focuses on a particular aspect: downward accountability and symmetrical communication. Subsequently, as the key research question, the thesis examines the effect symmetrical communication can have on downward accountability of NGOs in development. Three case studies exemplify the practical implementation and pursuit of symmetrical communication mechanisms and illuminate the differences that exist across... (More)
This thesis is located at the intersection of two concepts: accountability in and communication for development. Two review chapters provide an overview of their general reception in the development discourse, relevant definitions and the significance both concepts have gained for the work of development NGOs. Within each concept the thesis focuses on a particular aspect: downward accountability and symmetrical communication. Subsequently, as the key research question, the thesis examines the effect symmetrical communication can have on downward accountability of NGOs in development. Three case studies exemplify the practical implementation and pursuit of symmetrical communication mechanisms and illuminate the differences that exist across diverse settings. After analyzing and contrasting the empirical cases this thesis suggests that the timing and the degree of integration of symmetrical communication into the overall projects are useful categories to evaluate the impact of symmetrical communication on NGO downward accountability. Furthermore, the thesis acknowledges operational limitations regarding the universal applicability of symmetrical communication. Moreover,
it also includes fundamental criticism that questions the underlying participatory development paradigm. Nevertheless, the thesis’ findings do indicate a significant potential for symmetrical communication as a pathway to strengthen downward accountability of development NGOs. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Arnold, Malte LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVK12 20141
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
accountability, downward accountability, communication for development, symmetrical communication, development NGOs
language
English
id
4588330
date added to LUP
2014-09-17 13:28:20
date last changed
2014-09-17 13:28:20
@misc{4588330,
  abstract     = {{This thesis is located at the intersection of two concepts: accountability in and communication for development. Two review chapters provide an overview of their general reception in the development discourse, relevant definitions and the significance both concepts have gained for the work of development NGOs. Within each concept the thesis focuses on a particular aspect: downward accountability and symmetrical communication. Subsequently, as the key research question, the thesis examines the effect symmetrical communication can have on downward accountability of NGOs in development. Three case studies exemplify the practical implementation and pursuit of symmetrical communication mechanisms and illuminate the differences that exist across diverse settings. After analyzing and contrasting the empirical cases this thesis suggests that the timing and the degree of integration of symmetrical communication into the overall projects are useful categories to evaluate the impact of symmetrical communication on NGO downward accountability. Furthermore, the thesis acknowledges operational limitations regarding the universal applicability of symmetrical communication. Moreover, 
it also includes fundamental criticism that questions the underlying participatory development paradigm. Nevertheless, the thesis’ findings do indicate a significant potential for symmetrical communication as a pathway to strengthen downward accountability of development NGOs.}},
  author       = {{Arnold, Malte}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Symmetrical Communication in Development: A Critical Review of its Effect on Downward Accountability of NGOs.}},
  year         = {{2014}},
}