Navigating Accountability in International NGOs: Exploring Organisational Culture, Engagement with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance, and

Navigating Accountability in International NGOs: Exploring Organisational Culture, Engagement with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance, and Future Aspirations:

This research delves into the evolving landscape of accountability within the international development and humanitarian sector, focusing on the unique dynamics of organisational culture and engagement with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance. With a comparative analysis of diverse NGOs, including secular and faith-based organisations, the study aims to uncover how factors such as culture, size, location, and operational contexts shape perceptions of accountability.

The project contributes to ongoing practitioner debates, actively participating in discussions about the future of standards in NGO self-regulatory bodies. The central inquiry explores the impact of organisational culture on NGO engagement with self-regulatory initiatives, drawing on insights from Area Studies. The literature review highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of accountability, emphasising the oversimplification of NGOs in existing discussions.

The research questions further probe conceptualizations of accountability, the influence of organisational missions, perspectives on engagement with the CHS Alliance, and the driving factors behind alignment decisions. Ultimately, the study aims to offer comprehensive insights into how these principles influence NGOs' approaches to accountability, particularly within the context of the CHS Alliance.