Many people fear a process of concentration of power in the hands of few. Some of them use words like imperium or global dictatorship. Other people, on the other hand, claim that lack of authority is the source of the actual crisis.
In my thinking, power is an integral part of our administrative system. I fail to understand how an organization can ever function in the absence of authority. On the other hand I would not vote for a "wise" type of unilateral and permanent dominance.
The key word for me is accountability. Which mechanisms of accountability are most effective/efficient for those controling the power? Can you recommend any case studies?
While Conservative Canadian Politicians came to power on a platform of accountability, it is interesting that now that they feel they have a mandate they are doing away with all the checks and balances that held government to account. In other words Accountability Yes, but not necessarily their own Accountability. They are actually actively hostile to people who ask them to account for why they are destroying the checks and balances that previous governments have demanded from themselves and each other.
Power and Authority are different concepts. Authority is embedded in a position - legitimate - the right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience . Power can be applied and used without authority - Power can be seen as evil or unjust. Accountability may control authority because authority is legitimate. Controlling power is more difficult - perhaps by coercion or reward.
Right. One can tell if power and authority coincide by the way the Audits are done. If an auditor is seen as too independent, Power Mongers will attack them for noting when power exceeds authority. Accountability without audit, doesn't really mean anything. When you start firing auditors for doing their job too well, look for a power grab hiding behind authority.
I believe that accountability can only be applied in practice if there is a clear and secure political will. The correct way to activate the political will as a practical principle to implement accountability is through transparency in management and decision-making.
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