Reciprocal Accountability Theory

In Nov 1979, Michael Borrero, Pricilla Martina and Gretchen Bubelman Borrero were published a book named "Toward A Theory of Accountability". In this book, attention has been devoted to the social work literature to the notion of accountability and the reciprocal accountability theory. The focus of this literature has centered around three themes:

• that the profession has not been accountable;
• that the profession needs to be more accountable; and
• some suggestions on how the profession can be more accountable.

Reciprocal Accountability Theory

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A current problem with the accountability literature is that the concept of accountability is poorly and too loosely defined. In reciprocal accountability theory, we define accountability as a statement of clear intent by the service provider (agency, worker etc.) and recipient of the intended services (clients system) - and evaluation of the effectiveness and/or efficiency of the intent of both parties. This definition provides a reciprocal process of evaluation between client system and the service provider. Thus, to be accountable in this formulation depends upon a clear statement of intent by the service provider and client system and the evaluation of this intent. In brief form, this reciprocal formulation would be stated:

A = f{Ip + Ic + E}
Here,
Ip = Intent of the Service Providers (Ip)
Ic = Intent of the Service Recipients (Ic)
E = Evaluation

Full: Reciprocal Accountability Theory