Adenike Babajamu

Only what gets measured gets done.

Administrative Accountability is the systematic process of managing a business in a way that the organizational resources are fully maximized and made accountable for the realization of the organization’s objectives. This means every resources including human and material are efficiently directed at achieving the vision of the organisation.
It relates to measurement and answerability on the state of affairs of an individual or organization. It is concerned on the one hand with whether the actions of the employees are within or outside the bounds of their authority and their willingness to take responsibility for their decisions, actions, behavior or otherwise. And on the other hand, it involves the optimisation of every other resources; physical, financial, time energy etc.

In understanding administrative accountability, it is important to note that: only what gets measured gets done.

For effective accountability in an organisation, the answer to the following questions must be known to all employees:

1. Who is accountable?
2. To whom is he/she accountable to?
3. When and where is he accountable?
4. What standards or policies is he/she accountable to?
5. By what means is he accountable?

Where there is ambiguity in the answers to the above questions, the whole essence of accountability becomes shrouded in mystery.
Why Administrative accountability?

1. Accountability strengthens organization’s culture and create a positive work environment.
2. Helps to build strong relationships between employees
3. Improves employees’ individual performance by promoting engagement and ownership
4. Helps employees to value and take pride in their work by showing them how their work fits into the bigger picture.
5. It saves time because employees know what to do
6. Allows employees to be more engaged, motivated, and productive
7. Helps improve your bottom line
8. For control purposes through the establishments of standards, performance control systems, etc.
9. Makes response to change possible (AGILE). Proper accountability will help management take decisions for training, upskilling, reskilling and redeployment.
10. Helps to maintain existing system and retain the stability in workforce and productivity
11. Promotes business continuity; right people in the right place and at the right time.
12. Accountability results in stronger adherence to compliance
13. Promotes optimal use of organization’s resources.
    
    • Guides to measure accountability
      • Set SMART goals
      • Communicate clearly defined Job description while boarding of new staff or re-deployment to other units
      • Establish employee performance metrics; Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
      • Establish relevant administrative policies: To hold employees accountable, there must be established policies and guidelines
      • Establish and communicate officially the approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to all concerned
      • Efficient performance management. Regular appraisal of staff performance against set targets