Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Relevant Information for the Accountability of Private Institutions of Social Solidarity: Results from a Fieldwork

Helena Inácio
ORCID logo ,
Alberto J. Costa
ORCID logo ,
Ana Maria Bandeira
ORCID logo ,
Augusta Ferreira
ORCID logo ,
Brízida Tomé
ORCID logo ,
Carla Joaquim
,
Carlos Santos
,
Cristina Góis
,
Deolinda Meira
ORCID logo ,
Denise Curi
,
Graça Azevedo
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Mafalda Jesus
,
Maria Goreti Teixeira
,
Patrícia Monteiro
,
Rúben Duarte
,
Rui Pedro Marques
* ORCID logo
Version 1 : Received: 22 December 2021 / Approved: 23 December 2021 / Online: 23 December 2021 (11:32:17 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Inácio, H.; Costa, A.J.; Bandeira, A.M.; Ferreira, A.; Tomé, B.; Joaquim, C.; Santos, C.; Góis, C.; Curi, D.; Meira, D.; Azevedo, G.; Jesus, M.; Teixeira, M.G.; Monteiro, P.; Duarte, R.; Marques, R.P. Relevant Information for the Accountability of Private Institutions of Social Solidarity: Results from Fieldwork. Economies 2022, 10, 35. Inácio, H.; Costa, A.J.; Bandeira, A.M.; Ferreira, A.; Tomé, B.; Joaquim, C.; Santos, C.; Góis, C.; Curi, D.; Meira, D.; Azevedo, G.; Jesus, M.; Teixeira, M.G.; Monteiro, P.; Duarte, R.; Marques, R.P. Relevant Information for the Accountability of Private Institutions of Social Solidarity: Results from Fieldwork. Economies 2022, 10, 35.

Abstract

The Social Economy (SE) emerges as an interesting alternative to deal with social problems that often cannot be met by the services provided by the State. However, one of the concerns relates to the ability of these institutions to meet the demands of stakeholders concerning accountability. In this sense, the present work aimed to determine if the IPSS are prepared to meet the management requirements by increasing their accountability. For that purpose, we conducted qualitative research, with an exploratory focus, with 31 Portuguese Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS). The interviews took place between June and July 2019, with those responsible for managing the entities. The interviews were guided on a semi-structured script based on the literature review. After Content Analysis, it was found that, in most of the institutions interviewed, the board does not use management tools, such as performance analysis, social impact assessment, strategic planning and quality management systems, even recognising the importance of using them. The fact is due to the lack of access or knowledge about its use. In addition, the majority of the IPSS interviewed showed concern about the transparency and ethics of managers. Current strategic management practices are remarkably targeted at companies in the for-profit sector and can compromise the principle of investments in human and social issues. Thus, the introduction of new activities can further reinforce the pressure felt by these institutions in carrying out operational activities.

Keywords

Accountability; Management; Non-Profit Organisations; Social Economy; Social Solidarity Institutions; Transparency.

Subject

Business, Economics and Management, Human Resources and Organizations

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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