Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are a salient characteristic observed across democratic systems. Perceived to strengthen citizen representation and improve policy outcomes, as such member...Show moreCivil Society Organizations (CSOs) are a salient characteristic observed across democratic systems. Perceived to strengthen citizen representation and improve policy outcomes, as such member involvement and organisational capacity are key attributes. In order to achieve this role, CSOs must possess the capability to influence decision-making processes. This thesis investigates the realisation of these attributes at the national level of European Union member states through quantitative analysis. The outcomes highlight noteworthy variations across EU member states. In Eastern countries, member involvement emerges as a catalyst for achieving heightened access to decision-making. Conversely, for CSOs in Western and Scandinavian nations, neither member involvement nor organisational capacity significantly corresponds to access within the decision-making realm.Show less
Renters associations in the Netherlands are struggling with decreasing membership numbers and connecting with their constituency, threatening their ability to participate in- and shape policymaking...Show moreRenters associations in the Netherlands are struggling with decreasing membership numbers and connecting with their constituency, threatening their ability to participate in- and shape policymaking in a futureproof way (Raeflex, 2021; Terlingen, 2016). Yet renters organisations are expected to play a bigger part representing interests in policies regarding residential issues (Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, 2022) and are perceived to have a mandate on behalf of ‘the renters’ (Terlingen 2016). In this paper, the relationship between membership involvement (x) and group accountability (y) will be investigated with a quantitative, deductive approach. It will be built on the (quantitative) frameworks by Fraussen et al., (2021) for ‘group accountability’ with dimensions of ‘information, discussion and consequence’ and Albareda (2018) for ‘member involvement’ with dimensions of ‘interaction, decision making and local chapters’. The case being investigated is five renters organisations of the housing corporation QuaWonen within the Krimpenerwaard (South-Holland). Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with the executive level of renters organisations. The research question posed is: ‘How does membership involvement affect group accountability from the perspective of the board members of renters organisations?’ Findings tentatively show that the ability of renters organisations to function as transmission belts, translating policy preferences of their members, is mainly limited by membership involvement. Members can experience barriers to involvement. Accountability is improved by involvement through by being informed, being able to discuss and asking questions.Show less
