Understanding political accountability in a strong structuration framework

Purpose Research was conducted to investigate whether, and how, political accountability might stabilise when agents are faced with profound changes in external structures such as competition laws austerity policies. Design/methodology/approach We performed a field study from 2007 2015 regional hub Finland worked data document analysis, interviews meeting observations. have used embedded research design, where we apply methodological bracketing well composite sequence analysis for research. Findings Accountability declined irresistible were the dominant influence on unreflective actions of agents-in-focus. With time, however, started acting critically by drawing that could facilitate strategic accountability. limitations/implications The interpretation limited organisation analysed; theoretical arguments allow analytical generalisations. Practical implications demonstrates how public officials decision-makers can eventually adopt approach change structures. Social Originality/value locates context strong structuration theory discusses it is redefined