Accountability and Public Interest in Government Institutions

Abstract

The study attempts to explain public interest in government institutions using stewardship theory. This study builds upon previous studies which have largely used agency theory to examine public interest. Data relating to the constructs of responsibility, answerability, and openness were found to be significant predictors of public interest. Data were collected from public primary schools’ teachers and parents in these schools. This paper urges public officers in government institutions to offer accountabilities for the public funds as they execute their tasks and duties. These findings have both policy and managerial implications which we discuss.