Factors affecting accountability in the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFNET)

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to determine the factors affecting accountability at African Field Epidemiology Network. The objectives of the study were; To find out how management capacity affects accountability, To establish how employee attitudes affect accountability, and to find out how donor policies affect accountability.

The study adopted a correlational cross-sectional study design which was descriptive and analytical in nature. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents where a total population of 63 respondents was included in the study with a sample size of 55. The study used a questionnaire as the only research instrument which was measured on a five-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 and it presented information of means and standard deviations. Correlations were run to determine the relationship between the factors and accountability.

The study found that there is a positive and significant relationship between factors and Accountability since all factors (management capacity, employee attitude, donor policies) showed a strong and significant relationship with accountability. This implies that the factors have a great influence on accountability.

The study made recommendations based on the findings, these include NGOs should come up with accountability practices and processes that are easy to understand, NGOs must introduce tools that will enhance accountability, and they should involve all stakeholders in their planning and programming. The study suggested areas for further research including; the impact of corruption on financial accountability in NGOs, The challenges of accountability in NGOs, and the effect of beneficiaries’ demands and expectations on the management of NGOs activities.