Public Accountability in an Unpredictable World: Tales of the Unexpected

This paper aims to provide an overview of the different research themes and concepts that surround the investigation of crises and how these affect the delivery of important public services. It offers a critical reflection on what crisis means, how frequently we can identify one, and how this affects our notions of accountability (and possibly transparency) in the delivery of public services. Such considerations are based on a critical assessment of some of the main literature in the area, as well as the papers that form part of this special issue and which were initially presented at the ‘What is the Future of Public Accountability in the Aftermath of Crisis?’ workshop organized by the International Centre of Public Accountability, Durham University (UK) in November 2022. Thus, the particular contribution of the paper is a research agenda that focuses on issues relating to crisis and public‐service organizations as an encouragement to accounting and public‐management researchers to investigate accountability and governance issues in the face of crisis. This provides a stepping stone for more evidence‐based discussion of the impact of crises on these organizations. The paper also reflects on a stronger and much‐needed engagement between research and practice to make sure lessons are learnt, and mistakes not repeated, in the aftermath of crises.