The Quest for Responsibility
Accountability and Citizenship in Complex Organisations

This book analyses the questions associated with the search for responsibility within organisations.

Mark Bovens (Author)

9780521481632, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 March 1998

266 pages, 4 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.7 x 2.2 cm, 0.56 kg

"...The Quest for Responsibility is thought provoking and demands careful reading. It may well serve as a springboard for organization theorists to develop research propositions." Marcia P. Miceli, Administrative Science Quarterly

The search for responsibility in complex organisations often seems an impossible undertaking. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach combining law, social science, ethics and organisational design, Mark Bovens analyses the reasons for this, and offers possible solutions. He begins by examining the problem of 'many hands' - because so many people contribute in so many different ways, it is very difficult to determine who is accountable for organisational behaviour. Four possible solutions - corporate, hierarchical, collective and individual accountability - are analysed from normative, empirical and practical perspectives. Bovens argues that individual accountability is the most promising solution, but only if individuals have the chance to behave responsibly. The book then explores the implications of this approach. What does it mean to be a 'responsible' employee or official? When is it legitimate to disobey the orders of superiors? What institutional designs might be most appropriate?

Part I. The Quest for Responsibility: 1. Complex organisations and the quest for responsibility
2. Complex organisations as corporate actors
3. Two concepts of responsibility
Part II. Passive Responsibility: 4. Accountability: the problem of many hands
5. Corporate accountability: the organisation as a person
6. Hierarchical accountability: one for all
7. Collective accountability: all for one
8. Individual accountability: each for oneself
Part III. Active Responsibility: 9. Virtue: active responsibility in complex organisations
10. Exit: resignation and refusal
11. Voice: whistleblowing and leaking
12. Loyalty: responsibility as a by-product.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA]