Ambiguities of Accountability and Attention –

Analyzing the Failure of a Preventive Security Project

Authors

  • Tom Christensen Department of Political Science, University of Oslo
  • Per Lægreid Department of Administration and Organization Theory, University of Bergen
  • Lise H. Rykkja Uni Research Rokkan Centre, Bergen, Norway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58235/sjpa.v21i1.14974

Keywords:

Crisis, Security, Ambiguity, Accountability, Central government

Abstract

The article examines the failed implementation of a Security Project initiated by the Norwegian government prior to the terrorist attacks in 2011. It analyzes interviews with central government actors and uses two perspectives from organization theory to explain why the project failed. From an instrumental perspective, the failure might be explained by a conscious lack of attention or commitment. From a ‘garbage can’ perspective, the failure might be explained by a lack of collective instrumental rationality. Taking both perspectives into account, inherent ambiguities in horizontal and vertical accountability and a lack of attention influenced both by formal rules and informal practices are the main explanations. The prevalence of local democratic values, a lack of central political involvement and a generally slow administrative process contributed considerably to this.

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Author Biographies

Tom Christensen, Department of Political Science, University of Oslo

Tom Christensen is professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Oslo ,senior researcher at the Uni Research Rokkan Centre, Bergen and visiting professor Renmin University, China.

Per Lægreid, Department of Administration and Organization Theory, University of Bergen

Per Lægreid, is professor at the Department of Administration and Organization Theory at the University of Bergen and senior researcher at the Uni Research Rokkan Centre, Bergen.

Lise H. Rykkja, Uni Research Rokkan Centre, Bergen, Norway

 Lise H. Rykkja is senior researcher at the Uni Research Rokkan Centre, Bergen.



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Published

2016-03-15

How to Cite

Christensen, T., Lægreid, P., & Rykkja, L. H. (2016). Ambiguities of Accountability and Attention –: Analyzing the Failure of a Preventive Security Project. Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration, 21(1), 21–44. https://doi.org/10.58235/sjpa.v21i1.14974

Issue

Section

Original Articles

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