FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG – A majority working in the shadows clared that their groups kept accounts. This percentage is significantly higher than the proportion of groups that are registered(see above), although it appears that countries with a higher percentage of registered groups also have a higher percentage of groups that keep accounts. A third aspect indicating a certain degree of formality is the stability of informal-economy groups. One would assume that informal-economy groups are relatively volatile, because their members frequently change location and/or occupa­tion. It was found, however, that the great majority of groups operate permanently; this proportion is highest in countries with the largest proportion of registered groups. The number of groups that function only seasonally(for example, during the harvesting season), or those that come together on an ad hoc basis(for example, to assist a member in case of an emergency) is quite low in all three countries. The survey therefore provides three indicators which allow us to measure the groups’ degree of formality and stability. They are summarized in Table 7.2. The table allows us to observe a(i) rather high overall»for­mality indicator« of 73.0 per cent, on average, and(ii) that the two English-speaking countries yield higher scores in all three categories than the three French-speaking countries. Ethiopia, as an Amharic-speaking country, appears in-be­tween these two groups. 7.3 INFORMAL ECONOMY ORGANIZATIONS – MEMBER MOTIVATION 7.3.1 A multitude of objectives Some informal economy groups are set up specifically for a single purpose, for example to collect and secure savings. Most groups pursue several objectives at the same time, Table 7.2 Formality indicator Indicator Registered or formally recognized Account keeping Permanent operations Average Benin Degree of formality of groups(%) Kenya Senegal Zambia 46.4 67.1 55.3 85.2 73.9 86.2 77.7 90.5 76.5 86.5 84.3 88.9 65.6 79.9 72.4 88.2 Côte d’Ivoire 39.1 71.1 78.1 62.8 Ethiopia 56.0 75.3 74.7 68.7 Average 58.2 79.2 81.5 73.0 Table 7.3 A typology of informal-economy groups ROSCAs Religious groups Shared identity Organize church services A typology of informal-economy groups Economic opportu­nity Social security Generate capital for investments Often operate social assistance funds May operate social funds Cooperatives Neighbour­hood groups Political parties Cultural groups Professional organizations Social ­movements Mutual bene­fit groups Sports ­associations Trade unions Organize neighbours for a variety of communal services Formed to promote a certain political orientation Organized around common identifiers, such as customs, language, ethnic group All members exercise the same profession Members belong to a shared identity Organize collective sports events Organize economic support services May render certain eco­nomic support services May organize social services if established for that purpose May operate social assis­tance funds and mutual care May operate a social assistance fund Organize health insurance through mutuality Members belong to the same profession or employment status Societal empowerment Take part in politics if organized at the national level Gain bargaining power through unions and federations Can play a role in local or municipal politics Formed to gain political power Mostly formed as a lobby group to influence politics Formed primarily to push for political change Primarily engaged in collective bargaining 64