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RELATING AUTHORITY AND SOLIDARITY 87

Table 6.9 Partnership with the federal government according to characteristics of the NGO
Works with the federal
government
Yes No Total
Characteristics Communitarian Count 73 79 152
of the NGO Row % 48.0% 52.0% 100.0%
Professional/technical Count 88 58 146
Row % 60.3% 39.7% 100%
Total Count 161 137 298
Row % 54.0% 46.0% 100.0%
Source: Sample survey 2004/2005.

What can we conclude from the evidence evidence that this is indeed a feature of
examined? Certainly, the data do not allow us NGOs.
to say much about the changed patterns of To conclude this preliminary study,
interaction between society and the state. Yet, I would say that as crude as the analysis is, it
the very fact that we are looking at civil soci- suggests the relevance of proceeding to an
ety organizations whose explicit mission is to examination of the survey data already avail-
deliver services and goods formerly per- able. It also shows the need for new sources
ceived as the responsibility of public author- of information on the new forms of organiza-
ity signals a deep cultural change. More tion that are taking over tasks traditionally
important though, the data reveal the extent restricted to governmental agencies, with
of our ignorance about key questions related just marginal collaboration of old philan-
to our society. We do not know, for example, thropic initiatives. The study also suggests
how NGOs can be made more accountable, that one should perhaps question to what
more responsive. extent new actors, like NGOs, are actually
We also do not know if they actually innovative in the way they organize them-
enhance social participation or else signal selves, their forms of action, their sources
new forms of monopoly power. By defini- of finance, etc. Are they really making a
tion, they are not representative, yet to the difference? In what sense? Who are the
extent that they take over roles and functions, major beneficiaries? Are they actually more
they might be forming loci of power and participatory than other civil society organi-
privilege. Do NGOs provide more efficient zations? To whom are they accountable?
and less corrupt distribution of social serv- To their donors? To their beneficiaries?
ices than do governmental bureaucracies? These and other crucial questions are
While this is nowadays the assumption of not framed as a form of criticism, but
international agencies, we have no clear rather as a matter of fact, as highly needed

Table 6.10 Partnership with local government according to characteristics of the NGO
Works with the local
government
Yes No Total
Characteristics Communitarian Count 84 68 152
of the NGO Row % 55.3% 44.7% 100.0%
Professional/technical Count 73 73 146
Row % 50.0% 50.0% 100.0%
Total Count 157 141 298
Row % 52.7% 47.3% 100.0%
Source: Sample survey 2004/2005.