Responsibility
Responsibility is a duty to carry out an activity or fulfil an obligation. It differs from authority, the right to make specified decisions, and accountability, the obligation to explain and justify conduct or results. Delegation should clarify all three; the extent of continuing oversight depends on the role and governance arrangements.
Worked example
A manager gives a supervisor responsibility for preparing a rota and authority to assign shifts within agreed limits, while requiring a report on staffing coverage and unresolved issues.
Common mistake
Assigning responsibility without enough authority or resources, or assuming delegation automatically removes every obligation from the delegating manager.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |