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Discharging not‐for‐profit accountability: UK charities and public discourse

Author

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  • Alpa Dhanani
  • Ciaran Connolly

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the accountability practices of large United Kingdom (UK) charities through public discourse. Design/methodology/approach - Based on the ethical model of stakeholder theory, the paper develops a framework for classifying not‐for‐profit (NFP) accountability and analyzes the content of the annual reports and annual reviews of a sample of large UK charities using this framework. Findings - The results suggest that contrary to the ethical model of stakeholder theory, the sample charities' accountability practices are motivated by a desire to legitimize their activities and present their organizations' activities in a positive light. These results contradict theraison d'êtreof NFP organizations (NFPOs) and the values that they espouse. Research limitations/implications - Understanding the nature of accountability reporting in NFPOs has important implications for preparers and policy makers involved in furthering the NFP agenda. New research needs to examine shifts in accountability practices over time and assess the impact of the recent self‐regulation developed to enhance sector accountability. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the NFP accountability literature by: first, developing a framework of NFP accountability through public discourse using the ethical model of stakeholder theory; and second, advancing the understanding of the accountability practices of large UK charities.

Suggested Citation

  • Alpa Dhanani & Ciaran Connolly, 2012. "Discharging not‐for‐profit accountability: UK charities and public discourse," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 25(7), pages 1140-1169, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:aaajpp:v:25:y:2012:i:7:p:1140-1169
    DOI: 10.1108/09513571211263220
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sara Moggi & Gina Rossi & Chiara Leardini, 2019. "How to be accountable to local stakeholders: A lesson from savings banks," CONTABILIT? E CULTURA AZIENDALE, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 0(2), pages 35-67.
    2. Laura Girella & Paola Dameri, 2019. "Putting integrated reporting where it was not: The case of the not-for-profit sector," FINANCIAL REPORTING, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2019(2), pages 111-140.
    3. Conaty, Frank & Robbins, Geraldine, 2021. "A stakeholder salience perspective on performance and management control systems in non-profit organisations," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    4. Ezaaz Hasan & Anjani Mala & Glen Finau, 2015. "The Nature And Concept Of Accountability: A Case Study Of Three Entities In Fiji," Global Journal of Business Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 9(2), pages 65-74.
    5. Hasan, Rashedul & Siraj, Siti Alawiah, 2017. "Toward Developing a Model of Stakeholder Trust in Waqf Institutions," Islamic Economic Studies, The Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), vol. 25, pages 85-109.
    6. Urquía-Grande, Elena & Estébanez, Raquel Pérez & Alcaraz-Quiles, Francisco José, 2022. "Impact of Non-Profit Organizations’ Accountability: Empirical evidence from the democratic Republic of Congo," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 28(C).
    7. Cuckston, Thomas, 2022. "Accounts of NGO performance as calculative spaces: Wild Animals, wildlife restoration and strategic agency," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    8. Muhammad Shahid Shams & Murtaza Masood Niazi, 2018. "Fostering Faculty Engagement in Public Sector Universities : A Proposed Conceptual Model," Kardan Journal of Economics and Management Sciences, Kardan University, Department of Economics, vol. 1(2), April.
    9. Clerkin, Brendan & Quinn, Martin, 2021. "Institutional agents missing in action?: Management accounting at non-governmental organisations," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    10. Hyndman, Noel & McConville, Danielle, 2018. "Trust and accountability in UK charities: Exploring the virtuous circle," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 227-237.
    11. Elka Johansson & Peter Carey & George Tanewski & Iliyas Yusoff, 2022. "The effect of members on charities’ annual reporting: evidence from companies limited by guarantee in Australia," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(S1), pages 1851-1886, April.
    12. Lu Jiao & Graeme Harrison & Maria Cadiz Dyball & Jinhua Chen, 2017. "CEO values, stakeholder culture, and stakeholder-based performance," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 34(4), pages 875-899, December.
    13. Dominic Cyr & Suzanne Landry & Anne Fortin, 2023. "Financial Disclosure Management by Charitable Organisations: A Conceptual and Operational Framework," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 33(1), pages 46-65, March.

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