The article deals with the concept of accountability in public administration in relation to the needs of the community. It argues that the community needs not only to understand but also be involved in the process of accountability. It proposes that while community members need not become auditors in a technical or financial sense, they should be involved at various stages of accountability. This is especially so with regard to setting programme goals, discipline and other processes in which laypersons can bring valuable insights into the process of accountability. The article concludes by cautioning that public accountability can only be effective if there is evolution of a democratic culture in the political community.