New directions in theorising social accountability?

This article examines the potential of the research programme on Modes of Service Delivery, Collective Action and Social Accountability to illuminate unexplored but important dimensions of social accountability. In the literature on accountability, a distinction has already been made between vertical and horizontal forms of accountability, There is also an acknowledgment of the fact that the actors those seeking accountability as also those from whom accountability is sought - have multiplied. This is especially so in the area of service delivery, where accountability is sought not only from governmental agencies, but also from non-governmental actors, which are involved in representing claims to accountability but are often delivering services themselves. The article examines some of these complexities, and also raises questions about measuring accountability, instruments of accountability, and the adequacy of an accountability outcome that is manifested in a policy shift rather than more effective service delivery.