QUANGO Meaning and
Definition
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A Quango is an acronym for "quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization." It refers to a type of organization that operates independently but is either partially or wholly funded by the government and performs public functions, which are typically related to policy-making, regulation, or the provision of public services. Quangos exist in various countries and are established to carry out specific tasks that may require a level of expertise or independence from direct governmental control.
These organizations have a specific mandate and are accountable both to the government and the public they serve. They operate under a legal framework and are governed by a board, which may consist of appointed members or individuals from different sectors of society.
Quangos often have decision-making powers delegated by the government, allowing them to make judgments or recommendations on public issues. They are designed to bring a level of expertise, impartiality, and external perspective to areas of public service or policy-making that cannot be adequately handled by regular government bodies.
Critics of Quangos argue that they can be unaccountable, lacking in transparency, and susceptible to political influence. However, proponents believe that the quasi-independent nature of Quangos allows for a more efficient and expert-driven approach to governance, particularly in complex and specialized areas.
Overall, Quangos are an important component of a country's governance structure, playing a crucial role in the implementation, regulation, and administration of public policies and services.
Common Misspellings for QUANGO
Etymology of QUANGO
The word "quango" is an acronym derived from the phrase "quasi-non-governmental organization". It originated in the United Kingdom in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1960s. The term was created to describe certain types of organizations that have attributes of both governmental and non-governmental bodies. Quangos typically perform public functions, but they operate independently from the government and often have a measure of autonomy. The term "quasi" refers to something that resembles or appears to be, while "non-governmental organization" refers to an entity that operates independently from government control. Over time, the term "quango" has become widely used, particularly in British English, to refer to various public bodies that possess a degree of government oversight but maintain a level of independence, such as advisory bodies, regulatory agencies, or public-private partnerships.
Similar spelling words for QUANGO
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