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Accountability Pressure and Intraorganizational Dynamics in Japan’s Public Procurement

Accountability Pressure and Intraorganizational Dynamics in Japan’s Public Procurement Public accountability may involve dysfunction. However, few empirical studies explain when and how external accountability pressure and subsequent intraorganizational dynamics cause dysfunctions. To bridge this gap, using a case study method, we examined Japan’s public procurement after a series of scandals, focusing on the procurers’ cognition and behavior. First, we found that an administrative unit in a ministry leverages external pressure to enhance its power within the organization. Second, we identified bias toward procedural accountability rather than product accountability. Third, we noted the paradox that the excessive pursuit of procedural accountability undermines not only product accountability, but also procedural accountability. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Administration & Society SAGE

Accountability Pressure and Intraorganizational Dynamics in Japan’s Public Procurement

Nakanishi, Yoshinobu
Administration & Society , Volume 55 (4): 30 – Apr 1, 2023
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30 pages

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Publisher
SAGE
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2023
ISSN
0095-3997
eISSN
1552-3039
DOI
10.1177/00953997221147237
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Public accountability may involve dysfunction. However, few empirical studies explain when and how external accountability pressure and subsequent intraorganizational dynamics cause dysfunctions. To bridge this gap, using a case study method, we examined Japan’s public procurement after a series of scandals, focusing on the procurers’ cognition and behavior. First, we found that an administrative unit in a ministry leverages external pressure to enhance its power within the organization. Second, we identified bias toward procedural accountability rather than product accountability. Third, we noted the paradox that the excessive pursuit of procedural accountability undermines not only product accountability, but also procedural accountability.

Journal

Administration & Society – SAGE

Published: Apr 1, 2023

Keywords: case study; procedural accountability; product accountability; public administration reform; public procurement

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