Accountability sinks (aworkinglibrary.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the concept of 'accountability sinks' in organizations, where decisions are made in a way that prevents those affected by the decision from providing feedback, making it difficult to hold anyone accountable. This can happen when decisions are made by distant leaders or through complex systems, breaking the link between the decision-maker and the person affected. The article also explores the idea that accountability requires both the power to change a decision and an understanding of how that power is used. The concept of accountability sinks is related to the idea of 'skin in the game', where decision-makers are not directly affected by the consequences of their decisions.

Main themes

• Accountability
• Organizational structure
• Decision-making
• Power dynamics
• Consequences of actions
• Liability

What commenters say

• Organizations often create structures that absorb or obscure the consequences of decisions, making it difficult to hold anyone accountable.
• The concept of accountability is closely tied to the idea of 'skin in the game', where decision-makers are directly affected by the consequences of their decisions.
• Some argue that the traditional definition of accountability is being redefined in the article, and that the concept of 'no-consequence sinks' might be a more accurate description.
• The ability to change a decision is not a necessary condition for accountability, as one can be accountable for a decision even if they cannot change it.
• The article's definition of accountability is flawed, as it confuses accountability with the ability to make or change decisions.
• Accountability sinks can manifest naturally in complex systems, making it difficult to assign responsibility or blame.
• The distinction between responsibility and blame is important, and accountability is more closely related to the former.
• The concept of accountability sinks is related to the idea of shared accountability, where risk is spread among a group, but this does not necessarily eliminate individual accountability.