Accountability

Definition

Accountability refers to the obligation of individuals or organizations to accept responsibility for their actions, decisions, and the consequences that follow. In narrative writing, accountability emphasizes the importance of being transparent and ethical in storytelling, ensuring that narratives are not only engaging but also truthful and responsible. It involves recognizing the impact of one's choices on others and upholding standards that foster trust and credibility in the narrative process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Accountability requires writers to acknowledge their sources and provide context for their narratives, ensuring accuracy and honesty.
2. Being accountable means understanding the ethical implications of portraying individuals' stories and experiences in a narrative.
3. Accountability also involves responding to feedback from audiences, peers, or subjects to improve future narratives.
4. In narrative journalism, accountability can prevent misrepresentation and promote fairness in storytelling.
5. Practicing accountability helps maintain a writer's reputation and fosters a strong relationship with readers by promoting trust.

Review Questions

• How does accountability play a role in balancing objectivity and subjectivity in narrative writing?
  • Accountability is crucial in balancing objectivity and subjectivity because it ensures that writers remain transparent about their biases while presenting facts. By holding themselves accountable for the accuracy of their narratives, writers can provide an honest representation of events while still infusing personal perspectives. This balance helps create compelling stories that resonate with readers while maintaining integrity.
• What are some ethical considerations related to accountability when conducting interviews for narrative journalism?
  • When conducting interviews, accountability requires journalists to be honest about the purpose of their interviews and how the information will be used. Ethical considerations include obtaining informed consent from interviewees, ensuring that their stories are represented accurately, and giving them an opportunity to review how they are portrayed. This level of accountability builds trust between the journalist and interviewee, leading to more authentic narratives.
• Evaluate how practicing accountability can enhance journalistic integrity when revising narratives for fact-checking and accuracy.
  • Practicing accountability during revisions significantly enhances journalistic integrity by fostering a culture of thoroughness and responsibility. When writers take ownership of their work, they are more likely to engage in rigorous fact-checking processes to ensure accuracy. This commitment not only elevates the quality of the narrative but also strengthens the credibility of the journalist, as audiences can rely on well-researched and responsibly crafted stories that reflect truthfulness.

Related terms

transparency: The practice of being open and honest about one's actions and decisions, allowing others to see the processes behind them.

ethics: The moral principles that guide a person's or organization's behavior, particularly concerning fairness, honesty, and integrity.

credibility: The quality of being trusted and believed in, which is crucial for maintaining audience confidence in a narrative.