Social Accountability: Conceptual Framework and Actors

Abstract

This research sheds light on the topic of "social accountability", which is considered one of the most prominent relatively recent topics, and which is of vital importance in the life of contemporary human societies. The primary objectives of this study are to: defining social accountability; Explaining its mechanisms and tools and their relationship to government accountability; Explaining its developmental and political importance. Identifying its active parties; And standards and indicators for evaluating the accountability system in general. In order to achieve these objectives, the research draws upon the, approach or theory “manager and the rational agent” as the basis for its discussions and scientific analyses. The study arrives at several significant conclusions, most notably that "Social Accountability", as a concept, represents a form of informal public accountability grounded in a participatory social approach. This approach serves to enhance and complement governmental public accountability, without substituting or supplanting it. In terms of significance, Social Accountability is of paramount importance, as it plays a decisive role in strengthening the relationship between the government and civil society, combating corruption and the abuse of power, and enhancing developmental outcomes.