Northerners Counting Black Elephants: On Safari with Live 8 and G 8

Purpose – To demonstrate the inadequacy of traditional concepts of accountability and corporate governance for global gifting relationships, as exemplified in the Live 8 and G 8 events. An alternative construct of value in exchange is proposed. Design / Methodology / Approach – A discussion paper using a literature based analysis and critique. Findings – Accounting avoids social responsibility by denying culturally determined legitimate meanings of value other than those constructed from an economic perspective. New accountability and corporate governance mechanisms are needed for donor/recipient relationships. Research limitatations / Implications – The arguments advanced should be further explored in alternate empirical instances, and examined in alternate cultural contexts to give a greater depth of understanding. Originality/ value - The paper calls into question the adequacy of accountability concepts in a globalized environment. The paper is a unique contribution to the literature in is application of gifting theory and Baudrillard’s theory of simulacra to not for profit and public sector institutions.