ACCA Strategic Professional · Strategic Business Leader · Public sector governance

A state-owned transport agency's board is appointed by a minister. The agency's chair meets privately with a rail contractor, then the agency awards the contractor a large contract without publishing the evaluation criteria. An audit committee later notes that no one can show why the contractor was chosen. Which weakness in public accountability does this most directly illustrate?

The case shows an inability to explain and justify decisions to those entitled to scrutinise them. Without published criteria or a documented rationale for the contract award, the agency cannot demonstrate fairness or probity, undermining accountability to the minister, auditors and the public.

AInability to explain and justify decisions to those entitled to scrutinise themCorrect
BExcessive reliance on performance-related pay for officials
COver-centralisation of service delivery
DA lack of competition among service users

Explanation

Accountability requires public bodies to explain and justify their decisions to those with a right to scrutinise them. Here no documented criteria or rationale exist, so the decision cannot be justified and appears open to undue influence. The other options are not suggested by the facts.

Did you get it right without looking?

One question tells you little. A timed set on Public sector governance shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.

Practise Public sector governance Free diagnostic mock

More Public sector governance questions