"Like honesty and clean water, """"accountability"""" is invariably seen as a good thing. Conversely, the absence of accountability is associated with most of the greatest abuses in human history. Accountability is thus closely linked with the exercise of power and the legitimacy of policies and those pursuing them. This book looks at the role of evaluation and of audit as key elements in democratic accountability processes. The contributors explore the apparent paradox of there being more accountability-related activities today than ever before, at the same time as much public debate laments what is seen as a lack of actual accountability. Such a situation raises a number of questions: Is there a need for different approaches to establishing accountability or can current arrangements be modified to make them more effective? Are present practices part of the problem and are they preventing a mature debate about performance improvement taking place? How can systems awash with performance information ensure that at least some of it makes sense to a wide range of potential users? How is it that greater accountability and transparency can so quickly have become associated with concerns about perverse incentives and be seen by some as a costly burden? The volume includes detailed case studies and synthesizes up-to-date research evidence drawn from very different governmental systems, ending with practical advice for those involved in the accountability processes. In doing so, it attempts to address both conceptual ambiguities about the notion of """"accountability"""" and the practical uncertainties over its implications for democratic government. This book is aimed at serious people who think about trends in the use of evaluation and audit in seeking to hold governments accountable for their actions and performance."

The 2nd International Conference on Public Management, Digital Economy and Internet Technology (ICPDI 2023) was successfully held on 1-3 September 2023 in Chongqing, China. This conference aimed to bring together researchers, scholars, and practitioners from various fields to exchange ideas and discuss advancements in the areas of public management, digital economy, and internet technology. The conference featured a diverse range of research topics, including but not limited to Public Management, Digital Economy and Internet Technology. The conference fostered a rich and stimulating intellectual environment. The program included keynote speeches by renowned experts in the field, parallel sessions for paper presentations, and panel discussions addressing emerging trends and challenges. The conference proceedings showcased a wide array of research papers, providing valuable insights into the latest theoretical and practical developments in the field of public management, digital economy, and internet technology. Participants had the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions, offer feedback, and establish potential collaborations for future research endeavors. We extend our gratitude to all participants, presenters, organizers, and sponsors for their contributions in making this conference a resounding success. We look forward to the 3rd edition of this conference, where we can further explore the dynamic intersections of public management, digital economy, and internet technology.