Exposure to the law: accountability and its impact on street level bureaucracy

Murphy, M. and Skillen, P. (2018) Exposure to the law: accountability and its impact on street level bureaucracy. Social Policy and Society, 17(1), pp. 35-46. (doi: 10.1017/S1474746416000506)

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Abstract

Little research has been conducted exploring the relationship between public-sector accountability and the law. This is a significant oversight given the potential for this relationship to cause unintended consequences around issues of liability, especially in the context of a growing litigation culture. The purpose of the current research is to explore this relationship, using qualitative studies of public-sector professionals in England. The findings of the study suggest that increasing emphasis on accountability has led to a growing magnification of legal risk in the public sector, with consequences for the ways public-sector professionals perceive their relationships with the public.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Murphy, Dr Mark
Authors: Murphy, M., and Skillen, P.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education
College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Educational Leadership & Policy
Journal Name:Social Policy and Society
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:1474-7464
ISSN (Online):1475-3073
Published Online:16 November 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Cambridge University Press
First Published:First published in Social Policy and Society 17(1):35-46
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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