Reconsidering Accountability for Environmental Inspectors: Trading 'Compliance by Computer' for Relationship Building

摘要: Discussions of accountability have permeated the field public administration for some time and seem to occupy our collective conscious when it comes evaluating performance civil servants agencies alike. Of particular importance in this conversation is role street-level bureaucrats, or front-line workers. Although these crucial are increasingly considered--particularly with regards (c.f. Hupe Hill 2007; Pollitt 2003; Day Klein 1987)--key segments worker population continue be neglected. Most specifically, workers environmental policy arena play a significant, yet routinely overlooked, protecting ensuring quality natural environment (there few exceptions, however, c.f. Scheberle 2004; Pautz 2009). Environmental inspectors those who work predominantly at state level interact regulated community ensure compliance laws. As all categories servants, suspected that face competing definitions can adversely impact achievement goals. Perhaps one most important ways gain insight about types regulators encounter ask themselves. Virginia Ohio were interviewed determine their perceptions on interacting how manifested. The results 34 interviews subsequent qualitative data analysis provide initial insights into would prefer demonstrate "compliance by computer" occurs from seemingly overreliance output rather than outcome measures. Inspectors study building relationships them achieve best possible outcomes. Instead, inherent tensions pursuing conflicting views appear leave stuck office processing paperwork working counterparts Understanding inspectors' particularly relevant as more alternative tools being embraced embody fewer attributes traditional command control policies. To investigate work, exploratory research begins contextualizing brief look conceptualizations applicability regulators. Then discussion shifts focused consideration themselves why conversations directly long overdue. With background, findings nearly three dozen examined before paper concludes implications shifting bureaucratic professional inspectors. ACCOUNTABILITY Before exploring remarks inspectors, first we must examine context Accountability, despite its ubiquity Frederickson 2007), does not standard, widely accepted definition Koppell 2005). Romzek (2000) defines process holding someone answerable performance. There extensive regarding dimensions & Dubnick 1987; 2000; Behn 2001; Gormley Balla 2005) (2007), among others, notes dominance discussions much focus "little measures organizational performance" (11). …