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100			_a Rajala, Tomi and Jalonen, Harri _959787
245			_aBeyond simplification in public sector accountability: Contradictions between principal-agent and complexity theories
260			_aPublic Administration Review
300			_a85(6), Nov-Dec, 2025: p.1757-1770
520			_aThis conceptual study explores the complexity of public sector accountability, traditionally framed by principal-agent theory (PAT), which simplifies relationships through rigid contracts. The findings reveal how PAT's assumptions often misalign with the intricate realities of public sector accountability, which are better explained by complexity theories (CT). Contradictions between PAT and CT assumptions are highlighted, underlining the need for more flexible and dynamic accountability frameworks. The study calls for further research to refine the concept of complexity-based accountability and investigate tensions between practical accountability applications of PAT and CT. Such research could transform public administration practice and scholarship by better accommodating the complex realities of managing public services.- Reproduced https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/puar.13941
773			_aPublic Administration Review
942			_cAR