Accountability and organizational survival: a study of the Spanish newspaper industry (1966-1993)

The prediction that external accountability has a positive effect on organizational survival has been suggested by several organizational studies. Empirical testing of this proposition, however, has been overlooked by organizational analysts. The conceptual analysis of the notions of accountability and organizational survival has led to a set of a hypotheses that are supported by lifetime data models, estimated using primary archival data. These data describe accountability practices of the entire newspaper industry of Spain during the period 1966-1993. During that period, the country witnessed arare combination of radical and peaceful changes in its economic, social, and political structures. This setting constitutes a unique social laboratory to investigate organizational responses to environmental pressures. The findings show support for the notion that organizations that render accounts of their activities are invested of legitimacy, and this in tum increases their access to resources and extends their life chances.