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The Importance Of Accountability In Higher Education

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Introduction
The interpretation of accountability in higher education is much more complex and less rational than most accountability theories would leave one to believe. Firestone (2005) reasons that the design of individual organizations influences the importance of accountability and the structure within institutions. Higher education has a reputation for its bureaucratic configuration, but as defined by Firestone (2005), when considering accountability, the external and internal factors consist of bureaucratic, political, professional, market, and moral accountability. While bureaucratic accountability demonstrates how supervisor and subordinate relationships require careful management, it is counter to professional accountability comparing the relationship between amateur and expert (Romzek, Dubick, 1987), which the faculty senate encompasses within colleges and universities. In the heavily imposed bureaucratic system of higher education, where it requires professional accountability, it also conflicts with the ebb and not so consistent flow of colleges and universities bureaucratic accountability practices. Nevertheless, higher education institutions function in the manner of opposing processes within the organization. Although agencies may have multiple …show more content…

Specifically, bureaucratic accountability system comprises of a well-constructed and authentic relationship between superior and subordinates, in which they adhere to undisputed instructions, including additional systems and operating procedures with clear rules and guidelines (Romzek, & Dubick, 1987). While this form of accountability rewards conformity with continuation and punishes nonconformity with penalties, professional accountability encourages communication throughout the decision making process, disregard of professional advice results in system breakdown (Burke,

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