Correct Answer: Ensuring transparency and responsibility

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Ensuring transparency and responsibility

The significance of accountability lies in ensuring transparency and responsibility within an organization. Accountability helps in establishing a clear line of responsibility for actions and outcomes, promoting transparency in decision-making and operations. It enhances trust among stakeholders, both internal and external, as they can clearly see who is responsible for what actions and results. Moreover, accountability aids in upholding high standards of conduct and performance, which is vital for the effective functioning of a government agency like Citywide Services. It doesn't reduce innovation or encourage excessive centralization; instead, it enhances resource allocation by optimizing the use of available resources through responsible actions and decisions.