“Vi uppfattade inte att vi hade ett problem”: En kvalitativ innehållsanalys av ansvar och ansvarsutkrävande i samband med it-skandalen på Transportstyrelsen 2017

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates how internal structures of responsibility and external accountability procedures function during an administrative crisis by examining the 2017 IT scandal at the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen), where large-scale IT outsourcing led to severe security breaches and a major political crisis. The case is studied in the context of contemporary reforms, such as New Public Management (NPM). The purpose of this thesis is to understand the scandal through theoretical perspectives on responsibility and accountability. Specifically, the concepts of the problem of many hands and the problem of many eyes. Utilising a qualitative single-case design, a qualitative content analysis was conducted on empirical data, including parliamentary hearings, reports and media content. The findings reveal a complex interaction between internal responsibility and external accountability demands from multiple forums. Both collective and hierarchical models of responsibility can be identified within the organisation, as well as conflicting consequences for actors. Ultimately, the study concludes that while individuals faced harsh sanctions, the underlying conflict between market-driven efficiency and regulatory security remains.