Accountability, Responsibility, and Trust

This chapter examines the fundamental relationship between energy management, accountability, and responsibility in professional and social contexts. It establishes that accountability and responsibility are inextricably linked constructs that emerge naturally from how humans manage and exchange energy within systems governed by formal and informal codes. The chapter introduces the concept of ‘energy custodianship’, explaining how individuals become accountable to those who entrust them with energy resources and responsible to those who receive energy through their management actions. It explores how this dynamic creates inevitable cycles of mutual accountability and responsibility within human collections, regardless of whether these obligations are consciously acknowledged. The discussion extends to both retrospective and prospective forms of accountability, emphasising that awareness of responsibilities enables better accounting of actions and outcomes. The chapter concludes by examining individual versus collective responsibility in effective energy management, introducing ‘responsibility reminder’ and ‘accountability guardian’ roles. The chapter highlights that, although juggling multiple accountabilities is difficult, mutual trust and clear frameworks can make it manageable.