Which of the following is a major principle of public administration?

• A. Market competition
• B. Accountability to the public
• C. Profit optimization
• D. Employee autonomy

Answer: (B)

Accountability to the public is a fundamental principle of public administration because it emphasizes the responsibility of government officials and public institutions to act in the best interest of the citizens they serve. This principle ensures that public servants are transparent in their actions and decisions, allowing the public to monitor and evaluate the performance of their government. By being accountable, public administrators foster trust and confidence in government operations, encourage civic engagement, and help ensure that resources are used effectively to meet community needs.

In contrast, market competition and profit optimization are more relevant to private sector management and are not typically applicable to public administration. Employee autonomy, while important in various organizational contexts, does not capture the essence of the relationship between public administration and the citizens it serves. Accountability highlights the necessity for public administrators to remain answerable to the public, making it a cornerstone of effective governance.