“Failing Start ups” The Outlook #17: By Mr. Hilary Akhaabi, PhD.

Accountability in business, as explored by Hilary Akhaabi, is a complex issue mirroring dynamics at the national level. Key questions to consider include whether roles are defined, procedures outlined, and individuals capable of fulfilling their responsibilities. The ultimate test is whether individuals act responsibly even when unsupervised. A case study highlights the relativity of accountability, with employees often only performing up to a level of utility they deem satisfactory. This leads to a trade-off between productivity and compensation, requiring employers to consider pay-for-performance models. Kenya's recent cabinet dissolution over accountability concerns underscores the importance of this issue. However, Akhaabi questions whether citizens themselves are accountable, citing examples of disregarding rules and potentially evading taxes.