Measuring Accountability in Public Governance Regimes

A framework for the exploration of accountability deficits (gaps) and overloads (overlaps) in the context of public governance regimes.

Ellen Rock (Author)

9781108840484, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 October 2020

256 pages, 1 table
16 x 23.5 x 2 cm, 0.6 kg

'This is a work of considerable scholarship. Dr Rock writes very clearly. Despite the significant theoretical component of the book, the information and arguments are easy to read and understand. The output is a book which has significantly advanced the understanding in Australia of the tools needed for measurement of accountability, a foundational objective for testing the suitability and appropriateness of the institutions comprising the Australian legal system. She is to be congratulated for tackling such an ambitious task and doing it so effectively.' Robin Creyke, Australian Journal of Administrative Law

Government accountability is generally accepted to be an essential feature of modern democratic society; while others might turn a blind eye to corruption and wrongdoing, those who value accountability would instead shine a bright light on it. In this context, it is common to hear claims of accountability 'deficit' (a particular mechanism or area is lacking in accountability) and 'overload' (a particular mechanism or area over-delivers on accountability). Despite the frequency of references to these concepts, their precise content remains undeveloped. This book offers an explanation, as well as a framework for future exploration, of these concepts. It highlights the difficulty of defining a benchmark that might be used to measure the amount of accountability in a particular situation, and also the challenge of mapping out accountability mechanisms as a system. While difficult, if accountability is indeed a foundational concept underpinning our system of government, there is merit in meeting these challenges head-on.

Introduction
Part I. Accountability Deficits and Overloads: 1. Defining accountability
2. Too little or too much of a good thing?
Part II. Benchmark of Accountability: 3. Five rationales for accountability
4. Who should be held accountable?
5. To whom should they be accountable?
6. For what should they be accountable?
7. How should they be held accountable?
8. Defining and deploying a benchmark of accountability
Part III. The Complexity of Accountability Systems: 9. Features in balance
10. Relationship dynamics in the system
11. Mapping out a system in practice Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Public health & safety law [LNTJ], Constitutional & administrative law [LND], Jurisprudence & philosophy of law [LAB], Political science & theory [JPA]