Accountable for What? The Effect of Accountability Standard Specification on Decision-Making Behavior in the Public Sector

This study investigates how civil servants’ decision-making behavior is affected by what they are held accountable for. We look into the effects of specification accountability standard, and analyze behavioral changes that might arise holding servants for implementation specific rules, as opposed to more loosely defined standards, or no predefined standards at all. Drawing on existing debates in public administration, well theoretical accounts from social psychology, we develop two hypotheses outlining advantages drawbacks moving either side standard continuum. Specifically, hypothesize a tradeoff between effort decision impartiality. perform our investigation using an online vignette classroom experiment. The results do not offer clear support expectations. hypothesis suggesting general has positive processes terms receives some tentative support, while one linking impartiality does not. discuss possible reasons this outcome, draw recommendations further research aiming integrate psychological insights research.