问责机制何以有效:一个统合性的理论解释

How Does the Accountability Mechanism Effectively Work:A Synthesized Approach

问责机制的有效运转需要一个理论分析统合性地解释两个方面的事实,一是常规问责中常见的问责失灵状态,二是“问责风暴”的高效特征。基于此,本文假设,中国的问责机制具有不同的制度形态,但又遵循统一的制度逻辑,并根据这一假设形成“问责双轨制”的分析框架,即问责机制同时兼有常规问责与“问责风暴”两种模式,而且这两种模式可以快速相互转换。通过H市智慧城市建设与疫情防控两个项目的案例分析,分别呈现了两种问责模式的运转逻辑及其转换过程。问责机制虽然区分为“双轨”,但却遵循统一的制度逻辑,即“问责双轨制”是问责机制的有效性与治理资源的局限性之间矛盾作用的制度结果。本文的理论解释为弥合结构主义与“委托—代理”关系两种研究路径提供了新的解释空间,同时也在一定程度上解释了压力型体制的运转条件,进一步呈现了问责制度的“中国特色”。

The effective operation of the accountability mechanism requires a theoretical analysis to explain two aspects of the facts.One is the failure state in conventional accountability,the other is the high-efficiency feature of“accountability storm”.This article assumes that China’s accountability mechanism has different institutional forms which follows a unified institutional logic.Based on this assumption ,an analytical framework of“dual-track system of accountability”*could be formulated.There are two models of accountability and“accountability storm”,which could be quickly converted to each other.Through two case studies between the smart city construction and epidemic prevention projects in City H,the operation logic and conversion process of the two accountability modes are presented respectively.Although the accountability mechanism is divided into“dual track”,it follows a unified institutional logic,that is,the“double track system of accountability”is the result of the contradiction between the effectiveness of the accountability mechanism and the limitations of governance resources.This article provides a new interpretation for bridging the two research paths of structuralism and the“principal-agent”relationship.At the same time,it also explains the operation of the pressure system to a certain extent*and further presents the accountability system with China’s features.