Unit 05: Accountability

The concept of accountability is multi-dimensional. At a basic level, it describes the rights and responsibilities that exist between people and the institutions that affect their lives. Unit 5 highlights how accountability is no longer confined to the State and the challenges entailed by this. Through case studies, the unit focuses on how people claim accountability in practice, and can be supported to ensure action is taken and mechanisms for redress available where justice fails.

After completing this unit, you should be familiar with the following concepts and issues.

• The meaning of accountability and of related terms such as legitimacy, transparency and responsibility;
• How the concept and practice of accountability applies to the State, the Market and the Civil Society; and
• The conflicts, contradictions and confusions that can occur in situations where the accountabilities involved are complex and multi-dimensional.