Bank of China's chair may have equal relevance to the public sector. The pursuit of efficiencies expected by governments encourages emulation of the private sector.  And too often that seems to be adoption of that sector'se least endearing characteristics! Of course terms like accountability need meaning.  And how is that to be effected. If leaders are paid for short term performance, they may well be away from the position when chickens come home to roost.   That is why the House of Lords select committee on the constitution seems keen that former chief executives are examined as a matter of course by a select committee investigating any matters relating to their time in office. The five Heads of the Civil Service who gave evidence were united in debunking the value of such a practice.  They recommended there be no change to the status quo, that the incumbent carries responsibility. Human nature is that senior leaders believe their house is in order when they hand over to a successor -- any evolving fault rests with that successor.  An incumbent facing an imploding project will find cause in the mismanagement of predecessors.  The Constitution Committee seems unconvinced; current practice means accountability is avoided by those who were rewarded for short term gain and moved on.