Home | News | Opinion Seek Accountability Gently Opinion: Seek accountability gently The soft route can expand the scope for answerability and prove to be empowering By Telangana Today Published Date - 8 September 2024, 11:59 PM By Viiveck Verma Accountability is the obligation of individuals or entities to transparently and ethically take actions, ensuring compliance with established standards and expectations, and being answerable for outcomes and consequences to all stakeholders. While this is crucial in any organisation or relationship, traditionally, it has been sought through strict oversight, rigid structures and punitive measures. The enforcement of accountability through severe measures, including rigorous admonition, legal action and dismissal of individuals from their positions of authority has often been the case.
However, a softer, gentler approach can be equally, if not more, effective. This alternative can create answerability by fostering a culture of mutual respect, understanding and collaboration. Let us undertake a detailed exploration.
Hard and Soft Power Accountability has often entailed hard power because it serves as a direct and enforceable means to ensure adherence to laws, norms and ethical standards. The use of hard power in accountability is rooted in historical precedents where authority and compliance were maintained through clear, enforceable penalties. In today’s age, accountability should rely more on soft power due to the complexity of cont.