Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What is accountability?

The fifth of Baptistcare’s values is: Accountability for our performance.

For some reason the word accountability seems to conjure up negative ideas. Maybe it comes from bad experiences in the past, but sometimes when people talk about accountability they give the impression that accountability is about punishment, or at the least, something to be feared.

Essentially accountability is about taking responsibility; accepting that we all need to give account to someone for what we do, and as a result take responsibility for our actions.

At a basic level we need to be accountable to ourselves; to answer to our conscience that we have done what had to be done according to the best of our ability.

But most of the time we are required to be accountable to others. In organisations like Baptistcare that includes ensuring that contracts to government are met, legislation is followed and work schedules are met.

Even more important than such formal accountability is the need to be accountable to the people we serve. Whether we are washing someone’s floor, attending to their health needs, writing a report, fixing a tap or paying a bill, we need to accept responsibility for our performance.

As we carry out our duties, the resident of a nursing home, the recipient of mental health services or the participant in a disability programme may not ask us for a formal report but they are expecting a job well done, a friendly smile, a willing spirit, and an attitude that reflects hope and generosity.

What does accountability mean to you?

2 comments:

  1. I strongly believe accountability starts with ourselves, first and foremost! If we don't have the strength of character to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and behaviours how is that we can be accountable to others? The degree to which we accept responsibility for our actions defines our character. My experience tells me that people genuinely respect those who stand up and take responsibility for their actions (good and bad).
    Accountability in all aspects of our lives makes us better people. As you say Rob, its not about punishment; I say, its about being honest with ourselves and others about our actions. Thanks, I enjoyed reading your blog!

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  2. Thanks Rob, great to see others blogging on the WA NFP sector. I try to so so myself at http://civilsocietyandthengoworld.blogspot.com/

    So good to see that other people in the NFP sector (and among the bigger agencies) are asking serious questions, particularly about "downwards accountability" to the most marginalized and disadvantaged. Sadly in my experience in so many circles in the sector it is rhetoric, so I wish you well at Baptistcare in seriously grappling with these questions and trying to translate your core values into real change. It is important work. Look forward to reading more about your efforts . warm regards

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