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Accountability re‐examined: evidence from Hull House

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  • Leslie S. Oakes
  • Joni J. Young

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to re‐examine accountability in a concrete historical context from the perspective of pragmatism and feminist theory. Design/methodology/approach - An archival case study of Hull House. Findings - Both pragmatism and feminist theory of Benhabib provide new insight into alternative conceptions of accountability, conceptions at odds with the prevailing and dominant emphasis on quantitative measures of performance. Further, this paper suggests that this limited view severely narrows the understanding of organizational “success.” Research limitations/implications - While this research serves to problematize notions of accountability further, it leaves the task of developing alternative practices to future researchers. Originality/value - This paper contributes in two ways: first, there is a paucity of research linking pragmatism to the actual workings of concrete organizations. This paper begins to fill that gap. Second, this work draws the attention of accounting and other organizational researchers to the important role played by the settlement movement, and particularly Hull House, in the development of contemporary organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Leslie S. Oakes & Joni J. Young, 2008. "Accountability re‐examined: evidence from Hull House," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 21(6), pages 765-790, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:aaajpp:v:21:y:2008:i:6:p:765-790
    DOI: 10.1108/09513570810893245
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Quattrone, Paolo, 2004. "Accounting for God: accounting and accountability practices in the Society of Jesus (Italy, XVI-XVII centuries)," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 29(7), pages 647-683, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fabian A. Baapogmah & Roger W. Mayer & Wen-Wen Chien & Abolasade Afolabi, 2015. "Control Mechanisms And Accountability Challenges In Nonprofit Organizations," Global Journal of Business Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 9(1), pages 27-38.
    2. Carnegie, Garry D. & McBride, Karen M. & Napier, Christopher J. & Parker, Lee D., 2020. "Accounting history and theorising about organisations," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(6).
    3. Young, Joni J. & Oakes, Leslie S., 2009. "Reflections on the practice of research," Accounting forum, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 280-284.
    4. Gibbon, Jane, 2012. "Understandings of accountability: an autoethnographic account using metaphor," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 201-212.
    5. Oakes, Leslie S. & Young, Joni J., 2010. "Reconciling conflict: The role of accounting in the American Indian Trust Fund debacle," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 63-75.
    6. Agyemang, Gloria & Lehman, Cheryl R., 2013. "Adding critical accounting voices to migration studies," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 261-272.
    7. Rana, Tarek & Cordery, Carolyn J., 2024. "Digitalization as a form of marketization: The performativity of calculative practices in framing and overflowing NGO performance and accountability," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 56(1).
    8. Graham, Cameron & Grisard, Claudine, 2019. "Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief: Accounting and the stigma of poverty," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 32-51.
    9. Parker, Lee D., 2014. "Corporate social accountability through action: Contemporary insights from British industrial pioneers," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 39(8), pages 632-659.
    10. Tweedie, Dale & Luzia, Karina, 2023. "In place, with power: (Re)conceptualising accountability in national non-government organisations," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    11. Killian, Sheila, 2015. "“For lack of accountability”: The logic of the price in Ireland’s Magdalen Laundries," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 17-32.

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