Assessing Administrative Accountability

Abstract

This article presents the results of a national survey on accountability practices in U.S. municipal administrations. It also examines possible causes and effects of accountability. It finds that city administrations use a variety of political and legal accountability tools. They reveal more financial information than performance information to their stakeholders. Accountability appears to be enhanced through eliminating government workers’concerns about exposing their performances. Responsiveness, public consensus, and stakeholder trust are strengthened in accountable administrations. However, stakeholder fiscal commitments and administrative service capacities are not associated with accountability.