Zero-based budgeting, a planning and control instrument with accountability for public and private organizations

Abstract

The budget is a fundamental element for any organization; it is not possible to speak of planning if it is not supported by this instrument; however, the traditional budget has also been seen as an instrument of co-optation in which what has been done dictates the pattern of what will be done, even when this is not always the best or most appropriate thing to do. The zero-based budget (ZBB) breaks this position, starting from the total support of a project, its evaluation, justification, hierarchy and even its insertion and implementation in the planning of an organization, which makes it a responsible planning and control instrument for public and private organizations.