Work

Hybridity of Accountability Logics in Voluntary Sustainability Governance: The Case of Commitment 2050

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Governance of sustainable development increasingly relies on voluntary standards and commitments, the credibility and effectiveness of which hinge on accountability—ensuring actors align with shared goals and follow through on them. However, voluntary initiatives operate outside traditional control structures and blend elements of state, market, and community governance. This study examines how accountability is constructed and practiced through the lens of accountability logics. Using Finland's Commitment 2050 platform as a case, it analyzes how bureau–legal, economic–managerialist, and community logics shape the motivations, standards, processes, and consequences of account‐giving. The findings indicate that commitment‐based accountability emerges from the shifting and often uneven balance between these logics. While Commitment 2050 fosters multiple motivations and relations, accountability remains largely unrewarded and unsanctioned. This flexibility can broaden participation but weaken effectiveness and legitimacy. Future studies should examine how logic configurations evolve and how voluntary initiatives can achieve credible flexibility.

Source: Regulation & Governance

DOI: 10.1111/rego.70165

Authors: Elina Vikstedt, Visa Penttilä, Olga Welinder, Jarmo Vakkuri

Institutions: Tampere University, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Regulation and Compliance Studies

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,480