The study stems out of the growing concern among key governance stakeholders such as citizens, civil societies, political parties, international development organizations among other actors on the need to ensure accountability of public officials and improved public service delivery. The paper employs historical method to reveal the essence and domains of the concept of public accountability. The study traces the roots of the word and provides the justification for “accountor” and “accountee” behavior and relationship. Finally, the study outlines the importance of the concept in modern day politics
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Background
- The Concept of Accountability
- Domains of Accountability
- Financial Accountability
- Legal Accountability
- Political Accountability
- Administrative Accountability
- Social Accountability
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study examines the concept of public accountability, its historical roots, and its importance in modern politics. It aims to understand the essence and domains of public accountability, tracing the roots of the word and providing justification for "accountor" and "accountee" behavior and relationships.
- Historical development of public accountability
- Conceptualization of public accountability
- Domains of accountability
- Importance of public accountability in modern politics
- Accountability relationships between actors
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The study begins by examining historical perspectives on public accountability, drawing on the works of Aristotle and Kautilya, highlighting the significance of accountable governance. It then delves into the concept of accountability itself, analyzing different interpretations and explanations offered by various scholars. The study explores the diverse domains of accountability, including financial, legal, political, administrative, and social accountability, providing a detailed overview of each domain and its key elements.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Public accountability, accountor, accountee, behavior, relationship, actors, domains, state, politics, financial accountability, legal accountability, political accountability, administrative accountability, social accountability, good governance, public service delivery, public officials, accountability mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main domains of public accountability?
The study identifies five key domains: Financial, Legal, Political, Administrative, and Social accountability.
Who are the "accountor" and "accountee"?
The accountor is the public official or actor obligated to explain their actions, while the accountee is the stakeholder (like citizens or superiors) to whom the explanation is owed.
Why is public accountability important in modern politics?
It ensures that public officials act in the best interest of the citizens, prevents corruption, and improves the overall delivery of public services.
What historical perspectives are mentioned regarding accountability?
The study traces the roots of accountable governance back to classical thinkers like Aristotle and Kautilya.
What is "Social Accountability"?
It refers to the accountability of the state toward civil society and citizens, often driven by civic engagement and public demand for transparency.
- Citation du texte
- Samuel Asamoah (Auteur), 2015, Responsible Government. The Essence of Public Accountability, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/307991
