Accountability
February 2005

I am not sure accountability suitably describes all that I want to cover here. If not, responsibility, obligation, or some combination of the three might be more accurate.

Accountability is an important factor in my relationships with institutions and community groups as well as individuals. A strong sense of accountability is one measure of the significance and importance of a relationship to me. Although it is demanded in some circumstances, it is more often subtle and a matter of conscience. A need to be accountable often motivates my actions at a subconscious level. It explains some of my past and present endeavors and will have a predictable influence on what I do in the future. This alone offers sufficient incentive for a better understanding of the influence it has on my behavior.

Everyone learns about accountability at an early age but by the time we are adults a lot of what we are accountable for is determined by choice (within limits). If I break the law I am held accountable but I can choose to live in a country whose laws are more to my liking. If I take a job, I am accountable for the terms of the employment contract but there is a range of jobs I can choose, or I can work for myself or not at all. I can choose a religion or not, to marry or not and so on.

Notes:

Accountability extends to, is related to, is similar to, obligation and responsibility

General categories are God, Country, Family.

God: Conscience, Moral values, Church, Sacraments, Faith community, Decipleship/ministry

Country: Taxes, Military service, Law,

Family: Wife, children, parents, grandchildren

Personal: Job