Meanings and significance of “public accountability” From economy and management to public policies
Meanings and significance of “public accountability” From economy and management to public policies

Summary/Abstract: The concept of “public accountability” is a challenge for political science as a new concept in this area in full debate and development, both in theory and practice. This paper is a theoretical approach of displaying some definitions, relevant meanings and significance of the concept in political science. The importance of this concept is that although originally it was used as a tool to improve effectiveness and efficiency of public governance, it has gradually become a purpose in itself. “Accountability” has become an image of good governance first in the United States of America then in the European Union. Nevertheless,the concept is vaguely defined and provides ambiguous images of good governance. This paper begins with the presentation of some general meanings of the concept as they emerge from specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias and continues with the meanings developed in political science. The concept of “public accountability” is rooted in economics and management literature, becoming increasingly relevant in today’s political science both in theory and discourse as well as in practice in formulating and evaluating public policies. A first conclusion that emerges from the analysis of the evolution of this term is that it requires a conceptual clarification in political science. A clear definition will then enable an appropriate model of improving the system of public accountability in formulating and assessing public policies, in order to implement a system of assessment and monitoring thereof

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