5: Navigating the Relationship Between the Inspector General and the Agency Head

This chapter describes the nature of the relationship between an inspector general (IG) and the head of the agency the IG oversees. It explains why this relationship is important to the goal of government accountability and how an IG can take steps to nurture the relationship for the benefit of the IG’s oversight mission. Seven principles, or tips, are provided to the reader, focusing on communication, independence, job duties, professionalism, education, consideration, and transparency. Each principle is illustrated by the author’s personal experiences navigating this relationship as an IG on the federal level, demonstrating that a positive, respectful connection between IGs and agency heads is not only possible but useful.