Responsibility versus accountability in the Friedrich‐Finer debate

Purpose To consider anew the classic debate between Herman Finer and Carl Friedrich in the history of public administration that has shaped both the theory and practice of government since the 1940s in much of the Western world, and in other parts of the world influenced by the Western example. Design/methodology/approach A study of the original contribution of both Finer and Friedrich in their own times, which is then put into the current context of reducing the size of government. Findings The central argument is a distinction between accountability which means obeying orders and responsibility which means acting on a judgment of the greater good. Originality/value The paper reminds readers that accountability to a minister and responsibility to the public good may not always coincide.