MODULE 2: ACCOUNTABILITY

Elements of an Effective Accountability System

Element 4. Effective Consequences

In all instances, to be effective, consequences should be soon (after evaluation validates justification), certain, significant, and sincere. When consequences are inappropriate and/or ineffective, accountability is not functioning properly in your company.

Consequences for safe behaviors that meet or exceed expectations usually include recognition and rewards. However, only appropriate behaviors should be rewarded. The employer should recognize employees for behaviors and performance over which they have exclusive control.

If a person has authority, decision-making control, then he or she should be held accountable for the decision and subsequent behaviors and personal outcomes. Managers and supervisors have varying degrees of control over the conditions of their work areas and the behaviors of their employees. For employees, control usually refers only to personal behaviors.

Let's look at some examples of activities and behaviors that are typically accountability measures.