Digitising trust: New technologies and the future of public sector accountability
Despite various reform efforts, systemic resistance, outdated infrastructure, and rigid bureaucratic culture continue to stall progress
A strong system of accountability is essential for effective governance within the civil service, ensuring honesty, transparency, and responsiveness. In Bangladesh, the civil service has been criticised for being ineffective and lacking transparency. The traditional methods of holding individuals accountable appear inadequate in addressing these problems, leading to public dissatisfaction and eroding trust in government institutions. Hence, there is a need for an innovative approach that surpasses the usual methods to increase accountability and enhance service delivery.
It is always crucial to understand the actual situation. Despite the various efforts such as the Annual Performance Agreement system, Grievance Redress System and National Integrity Strategy, to ensure accountability, Bangladesh continues to face several obstacles.
Resistance from within the system often hinders the implementation of new accountability methods. Established procedures and deeply ingrained organisational cultures can create significant barriers to adopting new approaches. Civil servants who are accustomed to traditional methods may perceive innovative measures as threats to their independence or job security. Furthermore, innovative accountability systems must be developed to ensure fairness and equality in their application.
One challenge is avoiding biases that can arise from automated systems or data-driven decision-making processes. If not managed carefully, these systems can perpetuate existing inequalities or introduce new forms of discrimination. Additionally, developing appropriate performance metrics and evaluation methods can be challenging, especially when dealing with intangible outcomes such as improved public trust or increased employee morale.
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Moreover, the legal and regulatory frameworks governing civil service accountability may not always align with innovative practices, creating gaps that can hinder the implementation of new systems. Furthermore, another primary challenge in implementing innovative accountability mechanisms is integrating new technologies and managing the large volumes of data they produce. Advanced tools require strong infrastructure and data management capabilities. Many civil service systems still suffer from outdated technology and insufficient IT resources, which can undermine the effectiveness of new accountability measures.
To devise effective strategies, it's important to consider global experiences. Frameworks linking public sector performance to specific outcomes and objectives have been adopted by countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada.
In the UK, clear performance indicators and targets for public sector departments are outlined in the Government's Performance Framework. Departments are held accountable for their achievements and shortcomings through regular assessments and public reporting on these metrics.
Additionally, incorporating citizen feedback into accountability processes has gained traction in several developed countries. The Dutch government's "MijnOverheid" platform enables citizens to interact with government services and provide feedback, which is then utilised to improve service delivery. Moreover, the evolution of accountability practices is evident through digital transparency initiatives and open data movements led by countries such as the United States and Australia.
Additionally, independent oversight bodies play a crucial role in ensuring accountability within civil services. Autonomous agencies responsible for auditing and overseeing public sector activities have been established in countries like Switzerland and Finland. Both the Swiss Federal Audit Office and Finland's National Audit Office conduct regular audits and report on government performance and financial management.
Furthermore, whistleblower protection systems are essential for maintaining accountability within civil services. Robust frameworks to protect whistleblowers who report misconduct or corruption have been established in Germany and New Zealand. The Federal Whistleblower Protection Act in Germany provides legal protections and support for individuals who disclose wrongdoing, and New Zealand's Protected Disclosures Act offers legal safeguards and encourages reporting of serious misconduct.
Considering the global lessons and situation analysis, Bangladesh may consider devising certain new strategies. Developing a comprehensive digital platform that integrates data from various government departments and agencies is crucial. Open Data Portals can provide public access to data related to civil service operations and financial transactions. The establishment of Performance Dashboards is essential to offer visual representations of departmental performance and project outcomes.
Additionally, AI-driven performance analytics need to be in place to utilise artificial intelligence to analyse performance data, identify patterns of inefficiency or misconduct, and suggest actionable improvements or interventions.
In addition, utilising blockchain technology to create immutable records of decisions, contracts, and transactions can help ensure transparency and reduce the potential for corruption. Moreover, an Interactive Feedback Mechanism is crucial to allow citizens to report issues, provide feedback, and track the resolution of their concerns. Importantly, an effective strategy could involve the adoption of a participatory governance model to engage citizens in decision-making and policy formulation actively.
Several specific initiatives could be employed, such as forming diverse citizen advisory panels to offer input on policies and service delivery, creating platforms for citizens to give immediate feedback on civil service interactions, organizing regular public accountability forums for civil service leaders to report on their performance and engage in discussions, and establishing peer review systems to promote mutual accountability and continuous improvement among civil servants.
Furthermore, establishing an integrated audit and oversight system that combines internal audits, external audits, and real-time monitoring is crucial. This may include the use of Automated Audit Tools to identify anomalies and irregularities through AI and machine learning, the formation of independent audit committees with representation from civil society and academia, and the implementation of real-time monitoring systems for ongoing oversight of government activities and finances.
Apart from other initiatives, the implementation of robust whistleblower systems with strong protections and incentives can encourage the reporting of unethical behaviour or inefficiency.
Finally, introducing a Performance-Based Contracts system at the senior level can enhance accountability by linking civil servants' performance to their compensation or career progression, thereby aligning their incentives with public service goals.
By implementing these innovative accountability mechanisms, Bangladesh's civil service has the potential to significantly enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and foster public trust.
Leveraging technology, promoting citizen participation, and reinforcing oversight are crucial steps in creating a more effective and accountable civil service. Achieving these objectives will require a commitment, collaboration, and ongoing evaluation; however, the potential benefits for governance and public service are substantial.
Dr Mohammad Kamrul Hasan is a Public Administration and Public Policy Analyst
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
