Accountability begins with the understanding of one’s decisions and outcomes. As a public administrator one must consider every outcome positive or negative before deciding …show more content…
However, in order to predict the outcomes of one’s decision first the facts must be presented and reviewed in order to make a properly educated decision.
Ott and Dicke (2001) stated the following:
The ability to control requires knowledge about the links between activities and results—knowledge about cause-effect relationships. With full knowledge, a manager can control events and outcomes. In practice, managers usually can have (close to) full knowledge about quantities of inputs and activities, because these types of variables usually can be measured relatively easily. (pg.331)
Accountability is a difficult part of the public administrator’s job and requires much work in keeping true to ethical standards and courage to stand behind the decision’s that are made no matter the consequences. As indicated by Frederiksen (2004), “Traditional notions of accountability necessitate explicit lines of authority and clear legal parameters” (pg. 139). The law plays a very important factor in accountability often persuading those to avoid taking accountability for fear that they will face legal consequences. However, indicating such parameters may also hinder employees from partaking in unethical or illegal …show more content…
According to Yang (2012), “Such knowledge must be based on an accurate empirical understanding of how actors of governance make sense and order of the accountability pressure they face; it must be based on causal observations…” (pg. 276). As a member of the organization it can be difficult to look outside of one’s own perspective especially within a high demanding position but with practiced observation ques on the importance of accountability can be easily learned. Such observations are taken from our superiors and the manner in which they take accountability or do not take accountability. These actions serve as examples for our own decisions and actions. Obtaining the facts and observation keeps the channels of communication open within an organization ultimately affect the organizations culture. An organizations culture has very significant effects on how each person perceives their own status within the organization. As well as how their actions are perceived within the organization. Creating a strong sense of community and ethics will create a high regard for accountability. “The culture of an organization is where an organization can place claims on employees’ energies, enthusiasm, and loyalties” (Ott & Dicke,2001). When an organization defines their culture and