In the context of governmental accounting, operational accountability emphasizes what aspect?

Operational accountability in governmental accounting focuses on the effectiveness and efficiency of government entities in achieving their objectives. This concept underscores the importance of measuring how well resources are utilized to deliver services, addressing whether goals are met while also considering the cost of delivering those services.

Effectiveness relates to the degree to which the intended outcomes are realized, while efficiency pertains to the optimal use of resources to produce those outcomes. Essentially, operational accountability assesses whether a government entity is not only doing things right but also doing the right things to fulfill its mission.

The other options may contribute to overall governance but do not capture the essence of operational accountability as directly as effectiveness and efficiency. Compliance with regulations is more aligned with legal accountability, which focuses on adherence to laws and policies rather than on performance outcomes. Short-term revenue generation is typically a financial focus and does not encompass the broader objectives of operational accountability. Finally, asset management is an important aspect of financial stewardship but does not provide a comprehensive assessment of the overall operational effectiveness of a governmental entity in delivering its services.