Beyond Simplification in Public Sector Accountability
Contradictions Between Principal‐Agent and Complexity Theories
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6364229 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Tomi Rajala (0000-0001-7468-5493, Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) Bergen Norway), Harri Jalonen (0000-0002-6941-7969, University of Vaasa Vaasa Finland) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 85 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 1757-1770 |
| Publication date | 2025-02-18 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Public Administration Review (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0033-3352 • E-ISSN: 1540-6210 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/puar.13941 |
| OpenAlex | W4407674060 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 10 |
| References cited | 118 |
This conceptual study explores the complexity of public sector accountability, traditionally framed by principal‐agent theory (PAT), which simplifies relationships through rigid contracts. The findings reveal how PAT's assumptions often misalign with the intricate realities of public sector accountability, which are better explained by complexity theories (CT). Contradictions between PAT and CT assumptions are highlighted, underlining the need for more flexible and dynamic accountability frameworks. The study calls for further research to refine the concept of complexity‐based accountability and investigate tensions between practical accountability applications of PAT and CT. Such research could transform public administration practice and scholarship by better accommodating the complex realities of managing public services
Accountability · Computer security · Corporate governance · Economics · Epistemology · Law and economics · Management · Political science · Principal (computer security · Principal–agent problem · Public sector · Sociology · Accounting and Organizational Management · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Computer Science · Law · Philosophy · Public Administration · Public Policy and Administration Research
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| Unique citing works | 10 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 10 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 10 |