Who is most likely to be responsible for ensuring accountability in an organization?

The responsibility for ensuring accountability within an organization typically falls to C-level executives. These leaders are tasked with setting the strategic direction and enforcing governance policies that include accountability measures. They are responsible for creating a culture of accountability throughout the organization by establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

C-level executives, such as CEOs and CIOs, implement frameworks and guidelines that promote ethical behavior and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. They are also accountable for the overall risk management strategy, thereby influencing how accountability is perceived and maintained across different levels of the organization.

While end users, IT security staff, and third-party auditors also play important roles in accountability, their responsibilities are generally more operational or focused on compliance checks rather than overseeing the broader strategic accountability initiatives that C-level executives manage.