Difference between Accountability and Transparency

   MSW Notes > NGO Management 

11. Difference between Accountability and Transparency

Accountability:

• Meaning: Being answerable to stakeholders for actions and outcomes.
• Focus: Results and responsibility.
• Example: An NGO providing an audited financial report to donors.

Transparency:

• Meaning: Openness in sharing processes, decisions, and information.
• Focus: Clarity and openness.
• Example: Publishing project details, fund sources, and beneficiary lists on the NGO’s website.

Key Differences:

• Accountability is about answerability, while transparency is about openness.
• Transparency builds trust, while accountability ensures responsibility.
• Both are interdependent: without transparency, accountability cannot be ensured.

Conclusion:
Together, accountability and transparency form the backbone of ethical NGO functioning, ensuring donor trust and community confidence.