ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how accountability has a number of positive consequences for public management. It understands the consequences of weak accountability and its effect on developing countries. Problems concerning civil service neutrality, civil service anonymity, the merit principle in public service appointments, the management of personnel functions, and public access to information – all key components of effective public accountability – arise with regularity. Accountability shows how ministers should provide the services under their authority, and highlights how civil servants should offer advice to ministers which is both informed and impartial. Accountable government facilitates administrative competence. One positive consequence of accountability is less corrupt government, as corruption cannot easily exist where there is efficient supervision and the system of sanctions. Accountability improves the performance of government through measuring and assessing the achievements of subordinate officials in their assigned duties. Accountability strengthens the rule of law. Strong accountability strengthens responsiveness and responsibility on the part of ministers and civil servants.
