Seeking mechanisms underlying accountability in crises: A qualitative comparative analysis of 29 cases in China

Yanwei Li, Hanwen Cheng, Hao Li, Department of Public Administration, Shandong University, Qingdao city, Department of Public Administration, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian city, Department of Philosophy, Nanjing University, Nanjing city

Public Policy and Administration

Published online on January 23, 2026

Abstract

Public Policy and Administration, Ahead of Print.
Following crises, accountability invariably follows. Notably, the extant literature has largely overlooked the manner in which local governments enact crisis accountability during such events. Utilizing Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), this study ...