Stakeholder Engagement in Public Sector Agencies: Ascending the Rungs of the Accountability Ladder

Abstract

In the current era of public demand for increased accountability from government, stakeholders expect their government and its agencies to consult constituents and provide them with an opportunity to have a say in strategic direction. Indeed, stakeholder engagement is very prevalent and is viewed as a vital component of accountability. Consequently, there is an increasing trend for governments and their agencies to consult stakeholders on issues ranging from budgets to strategic plans of departments and agencies.

This article argues that consultation extends beyond the dissemination of information and participation in surveys and focus groups in order to ensure that public sector agencies have sufficiently demonstrated accountability through consultation. Rather, the true substance of consultation is providing an opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the organization by advancing their own proposals regarding its strategic direction.

Keywords:

• stakeholder accountability
• stakeholder engagement and consultation

Notes

¹Most provinces in Canada refer to their workers' compensation agencies as “Workers' Compensation Boards” (WCBs). Others such as New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador use the term “Commission.” However, for simplicity, the term WCB will be used to refer to all workers' compensation agencies in Canada.

²In 2001, the WCB's funded position (assets relative to liabilities) had fallen to 67.5 percent and the agency had among the highest premiums in Canada coupled with a high level of injured workers receiving long-term disability benefits.