Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

3-2022

Abstract

Despite the complexities involved around the accountability mechanisms of collaborative governance, little is known about how to assess accountability at the network level and disentangle possible accountability deficits. This study first explicates the nature of collaborative governance accountability in contrast to accountability in traditional public administration and market-based governance. The analysis shows how collaborative governance accountability is distinctive: (a) accountability relationships shift from bilateral to multilateral; (b) horizontal as well as vertical accountability relationships are involved; (c) not only formal standards but also informal norms are used; and (d) accountability challenges move from control/audit issues to trust-building and paradox management issues. We then propose a framework for accountability in collaborative governance, drawing its dimensions from the process-based accountability research. Our framework builds on three dimensions of collaborative accountability— information, discussion, and consequences— and elaborates on their components and indicators. Based on the framework, questions to guide future research are provided, focusing on tensions and paradoxes that can arise in each process dimension as primary accountability challenges in collaborative contexts.

Keywords

collaborative governance, accountability

Discipline

Political Science | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social Influence and Political Communication

Research Areas

Political Science

Publication

Perspectives on Public Management and Governance

Volume

5

Issue

1

First Page

63

Last Page

75

ISSN

2398-4910

Identifier

10.1093/ppmgov/gvab031

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/ppmgov/gvab031

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