People are accountable when they will probably respond to legitimate authority.
Evidence
I propose that people should be considered accountable when there is a high probability that they will be responsive to legitimate authority or influence. This definition of accountability directs attention to two important aspects of the concept. First, accountability is a relationship between people or groups. One is always accountable to someone, accountability is not abstract. — Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy, 1156
Categorization
- DEFINE: Offers an operational probability-based definition of accountability, precisely the conceptual tool needed to track institutionalization of discretionary practice.
- XREF: connects to: Adult authority figures can induce childlike submission in powerful professionals. — , Harr Jonathan - A Civil Action , 1140; Accountability is responsive behavior, not merely answering to superiors