Accountability, Political Preferences and Bureaucratic Reputation

Abstract

Bureaucrats and regulators hold a central position in the policy process. This position can evolve over time. On the one hand, these actors can cultivate their reputation to consolidate and expand their political power, thereby shaping political preferences. On the other hand, accountability mechanisms may restrain and limit their reach or to the contrary, these can become important mechanisms for reputation-building and blame deflection. The interplay between these two features deserves a close inspection.