Accountability + Responsibility = Sustainability

2009-05-20 08:14:46

Accountability + Responsibility = Sustainability

These words have been thrown around so much in the business world that their meanings vary depending on what person is using them to describe their own brand of accountability, responsibility and sustainability. So, before I begin I want to be clear on the definitions of these three words in relation to business as I see and understand them.

Accountability: the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions. (Merriam-Webster,2008)
Responsibility: the quality or state of being responsible: as a: moral, legal, or mental accountability b: Reliability, Trustworthiness. (Merriam_Webster,2008)
Sustainability: [to meet] the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland Commission,1989)

Now, let's look to the auto industry for a lesson in Accountability + Responsibility = Sustainability. Certain automakers gladly took the bailout monies offered to them. Where in the world did their Accountability + Responsibility to us as consumers go? THEY SOLD IT!

Despite taking the bailout monies give to them, they're still closing plants and laying off workers on an almost daily basis.

They have let everyone down their shareholders, their stakeholders as well as the guy who sweeps the floors has been abandoned by their lack of accountability. Yes, even we the consumer have been left to our own devices to figure out what we will do. Consumer confidence is/has been going down as more and more companies shirk their responsibilities, as a direct result their sustainability suffers.

Sustainability will depend on the consumers' faith in you doing what you say you're going to do - not saying what you think they want to hear - this is accountability.