Inclusion Without Clear Lines Of Accountability Is Pointless. Here’s Why

By dictionary definition, accountability is “the fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility”. It is a way to define answerability, liability and reporting. We see accountability embedded into organizations for finance, engineering, product delivery and more, but yet when we look at diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) work, it so often has little to no accountability.

Why is this?

Firstly, if you view something as less important, accountability feels unnecessary. Secondly, if you take a lofty view that delivery of certain work is everyone’s job, without actually defining milestones or key deliverables, then accountability is easily shirked. It is a nice thought that inclusion is everyone’s work, and it may well be. However, the measurement of that work’s success, failure or indifference is key. The rolling out of initiatives through expertise, not passion alone, is crucial in creating systemic change. “Niceness” does not create sustainable and systemic change.

All too often, we see no defined ownership of DE&I delivery in organizations, ownership that sits too far down the ranks to influence business-wide decisions or ownership given to inexperienced DE&I leaders who have no clear lines of delivery.

Why is accountability key

Accountability is key for many reasons. Here are a few.

It creates an expectation - personally and company-wide

Responsibility means we take ownership of delivery. And accountability is the condition in which this happens. By creating an expectation of what to expect, we create a connection between employees and those responsible for delivery. It also embeds transparency, because we’re being open about what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it. Being purposeful about transparency is crucial. Assuming everyone knows what is happening is lazy. Be deliberate. Share who is responsible, what they are doing, when and why.

It enables decision-making

Decision making is key. Without it, we go around in circles and continue inefficient conversations. Accountability should mean there is a defined decision-making process and decision-maker who will hear insights across the board and make a well-informed and educated decision. Very often, when there is no decision-maker in DE&I-related activities, meetings focusing on this work can turn into venting sessions as opposed to focusing on what needs to be done and how to deliver it.

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