Might less accountability be more? INGO-volunteer relationships in the European refugee response

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study explores formal and informal responses to the refugee crisis in Europe, specifically, relationships between INGOs and volunteers. Mixing qualitative and quantitative methodologies, it contributes to research on cross-sector collaboration in a transboundary crisis. Results show that actors’ perceptions of each other limit partnering. Governmental action and policy changes precipitated different stages of the response, which influenced INGO-volunteer relationships. INGOs were seen as bureaucratic and conservative in their advocacy, while volunteers were perceived as helpful, flexible and responsive to urgent needs, but unaccountable. Over time, some INGOs determined that risks posed by volunteers working with vulnerable populations outweighed benefits.