Whosoever in power, hates accountability. 

In a bustling city, journalist Maya fearlessly pursued stories that exposed corruption and abuse of power. When her investigation reached the highest levels of authority, those in power turned against her, attempting to discredit her work and silence her. Maya soon realized a bitter truth: the powerful despise accountability. Despite the mounting pressure, she persisted, driven by her unwavering commitment to uncover the truth and hold the powerful accountable.

But what is this power and how does it relate to accountability? Power can be defined as the ability to exert influence, make decisions, and control resources within a given domain. Accountability, on the other hand, refers to the obligation of those in power to be answerable for their actions and decisions. Accountability plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, integrity, and responsible governance in democratic societies.

Power and Accountability:

When leaders are held accountable for their actions, it fosters transparency and provides assurance to the public that their interests are being represented and protected. For example, the Right to Information (RTI) Act. enacted in 2005, empowered citizens to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency and holding leaders accountable. RTI has enabled citizens to uncover details about governmental decisions, expenditures, and policies. This transparency has ensured that leaders are accountable for their actions and decisions, fostering public trust by demonstrating a commitment to openness and accountability in governance, ultimately strengthening democracy in India.

Moreover, accountability enhances decision-making processes. When leaders know that they will be answerable for their choices, they are incentivized to consider diverse perspectives, seek expert advice, and engage in thorough analysis. This was evident in the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017. This significant tax reform aimed to streamline India’s complex tax structure. The government faced the accountability of executing this nationwide reform, knowing they would be answerable for its success or failure. To ensure a comprehensive approach, they engaged with experts, economists, and stakeholders from various sectors, considering diverse perspectives before implementation. This accountability-driven decision-making process resulted in extensive consultations, revisions, and adjustments to address concerns, showcasing the importance of incorporating multiple viewpoints and expert advice to make informed, accountable decisions beneficial for the nation’s economy and citizens.

Responsible resource allocation is another key aspect of accountability for those in power. When leaders are held accountable for their allocation decisions, they are compelled to ensure fairness, efficiency, and alignment with the needs of the people. This prevents corruption, favoritism, and the misuse of public funds. For instance, The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in India exemplifies accountable resource allocation. This scheme guarantees rural employment, ensuring fair distribution of funds and preventing corruption by mandating transparency in expenditure and work allocation, benefitting millions.

Furthermore, accountability promotes ethical conduct among those in power. The knowledge that they will be held accountable for their actions encourages leaders to act with integrity, adhere to ethical standards, and prioritize the common good. The Satyam Scam of 2009 in India revealed unethical practices when the company’s founder admitted to falsifying accounts, inflating profits, and engaging in accounting fraud, shaking investor trust and leading to legal repercussions.

Accountability provides leaders with an opportunity for growth and improvement by encouraging reflection, rectifying mistakes, and adapting approaches. In India, initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Right to Information Act, and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax showcase how accountability drives positive change. These examples demonstrate how leaders accepting responsibility contribute to personal growth, strengthen governance structures, and bring tangible improvements to areas such as sanitation, transparency, and economic governance. Embracing accountability empowers leaders to learn from experiences, rectify shortcomings, and ultimately ensure better outcomes for society.

Why Do People in Power Hate  Accountability?

In reality, the exercise of power frequently gives rise to challenges when it comes to accepting and upholding accountability.

One key reason for the resistance to accountability is rooted in self-interest and self-preservation. Individuals in positions of power may fear the consequences of being held accountable, such as loss of reputation, legal repercussions, or the erosion of their authority. As a result, they may actively resist measures that seek to hold them accountable. For instance, During the Indian anti-corruption movement in 2011, politicians resisted the implementation of the Lokpal Bill, fearing accountability. They opposed measures to create an independent ombudsman to investigate corruption allegations against public officials, highlighting their reluctance to be held accountable.

Structural and institutional factors can also contribute to the resistance to accountability. Hierarchical power structures and organizational cultures can perpetuate a sense of entitlement and impunity among those in power. For instance, The Nirav Modi-PNB Bank fraud case exposed weak oversight as influential figures within the bank allegedly colluded to bypass controls. Regulatory bodies’ lapses allowed the misuse of the system, showcasing how powerful interests could manipulate and weaken accountability mechanisms.

Psychological and cognitive factors also come into play. Cognitive biases and selective perception can lead individuals to overlook or rationalize their own misconduct. Moral disengagement mechanisms enable individuals to distance themselves from the consequences of their actions. Moreover, overconfidence and hubris may foster a sense of invincibility, creating a disdain for accountability.

Unchecked power often leads to corruption and abuse, as the absence of accountability enables individuals in positions of power to exploit their authority for personal gain, evident in the unchecked power of the East India Companies officials during the British colonial era in India, resulting in rampant corruption, resource exploitation, abuse of authority, perpetuation of social injustice, and undermining of economic development.

Power without accountability can exacerbate socio-economic inequalities and marginalize vulnerable populations. Concentration of power in the hands of a few can lead to the exclusion and discrimination of marginalized groups, perpetuating social disparities. Inclusive governance and equitable resource distribution become challenging in the absence of accountability. For instance, unchecked power and lack of accountability in apartheid South Africa caused marginalization of different communities, perpetuated socio-economic inequalities, and hindered inclusive governance and equitable resource distribution.

The erosion of accountability undermines democratic values and principles. Lack of transparency and public scrutiny enables those in power to operate without checks and balances, eroding democratic institutions and trust. This erosion weakens the foundations of democracy and compromises the representation and voice of the people. For instance, the erosion of accountability in Turkey under President Erdogan led to the undermining of democratic values, weakened institutions, restricted freedom of expression, and diminished public trust in the democratic process.

Strengthening Accountability in Power Structures:

Strengthening legal frameworks is crucial for promoting accountability. Laws that explicitly define responsibilities, establish transparency requirements, and provide for independent oversight are essential. Establishing effective regulatory bodies and ensuring their autonomy can further enhance accountability.

Fostering a culture of accountability is equally important. Encouraging ethical leadership, fostering a sense of responsibility, and promoting values of integrity are key components. Protecting whistleblowers and facilitating civic engagement can create an environment conducive to accountability.

Robust checks and balances are vital to ensure accountability. The independent judiciary and media serve as watchdogs, providing oversight and exposing wrongdoing. Strengthening parliamentary oversight mechanisms and empowering civil society organizations can also contribute to holding those in power accountable.

Singapore has set a precedent in this direction. Its effective approach to strengthening accountability includes robust legal frameworks that define responsibilities and transparency requirements, a culture of ethical leadership and integrity, and strong checks and balances. Stringent laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act and emphasis on values like the “Singapore Pledge” promote accountability. An independent judiciary, free press, and parliamentary oversight mechanisms ensure effective checks on those in power, fostering a culture of integrity and combating corruption.

In a world rife with corruption and abuse of power, the need for accountability has never been more pressing. Those in positions of authority must be held responsible for their actions, as the consequences of unchecked power can be devastating for individuals and societies alike. Amidst the current challenges we face, such as systemic inequality, environmental degradation, and political polarization, accountability becomes a crucial tool for addressing these pressing issues. Without accountability, those in power can perpetuate injustice, exploit resources, and ignore the needs of the most vulnerable. By strengthening accountability mechanisms, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of responsibility, we can work towards a more just and equitable society. It is only through holding those in power accountable that we can address the root causes of our problems, promote responsible governance, and strive towards a future where power is wielded responsibly for the betterment of all.

As Simon Sinek rightly said, “The true measure of a leader is accountability to oneself, to others, and to the greater good” reinforcing the importance of accountability in leadership and emphasising that leaders who embrace accountability contribute to the well-being of individuals and society.