IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

What relationship exists between responsibility and accountability in delegation?

1. They are interchangeable concepts

2. Responsibility can be transferred while accountability cannot

3. Both can be delegated to others

4. Accountability is less important than responsibility

The correct answer is: Responsibility can be transferred while accountability cannot

In the context of delegation, differentiating between responsibility and accountability is essential. Responsibility refers to the obligation to perform a specific task or duty, which can be transferred from one person to another. For instance, a manager can delegate a task to a team member, thereby passing on the responsibility for completing that task. However, accountability remains with the individual who originally holds the position of authority. This means that the manager is still ultimately accountable for the results of the task, as they are responsible for overseeing their team's performance and ensuring that objectives are met. This distinction highlights that while tasks can be assigned and responsibilities can shift, accountability is a consistent element that stays with the individual in the leadership role. Understanding this relationship is critical for effective delegation and for maintaining clarity in organizational hierarchies and expectations. This ensures that even when responsibilities are distributed, accountability ensures that there is a clear point of reference for outcomes and performance.