Stakeholder Engagement in Public Sector Agencies: Ascending the Rungs of the Accountability Ladder

In the current era of public demand for increased accountability from government, stakeholders expect their government and its agencies to consult constituents and provide them with an opportunity to have a say in strategic direction. Indeed, stakeholder engagement is very prevalent and is viewed as a vital component of accountability. Consequently, there is an increasing trend for governments and their agencies to consult stakeholders on issues ranging from budgets to strategic plans of departments and agencies.

This article argues that consultation extends beyond the dissemination of information and participation in surveys and focus groups in order to ensure that public sector agencies have sufficiently demonstrated accountability through consultation. Rather, the true substance of consultation is providing an opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the organization by advancing their own proposals regarding its strategic direction.