Tenorio, Anjeaneth L.

Introduction to Public Administration

BS DEVC 3101

Accountability VS. Transparency

A public official is required to be accountable in all actions he/she does because the
officials have local autonomy in terms of ensuring the constituents in deliver the basic needs. On
the other hand, transparency can lead to a better governance, trust will be flourished and may
improve the participation of the people in responding to ordinances.

         In gaining trust from the people, I believe that being accountable to everything happening
that is under their control is way more trusting that transparency. In that case, we can see how
public officials take action in a worst scenario and how they respond in a certain situation. Public
office is a public trust. Taking responsibility in every action is like building a good connection
with the public, with the help of this, they will operate more effectively and deliver the needs of
the constituents. Openness will make a government stronger, in some way, transparency can
promote accountability that can strengthen democracy. However, although the two variables are
interconnected with each other, both of them can have a downside. Too much information may
result in misunderstanding.

         All in all, public officials should be accountable in every project they do, whether or not
it is successful. In that case, its constituents will foster trust in the officials and ensure the basic
needs to be delivered.