Accountability is the obligation to explain, justify, and take responsibility for one's actions.

Accountability is the state of being accountable, meaning responsible for something or obligated to
answer to someone, such as a person with more authority, like a boss. Accountability also leads to
effective and efficient achievement of goals.

EG: a policy of holding schools and teachers accountable for students' academic progress by linking such
progress with funding for salaries, maintenance, etc.