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Accountability vs Responsibility

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Accountability is a duty to answer to the success or failure of strategies, decisions, practices and processes. In general, accountability is a function of your position and can't be delegated.
Responsibility is the component of duty that can be delegated. In other words, if you delegate a task you are no longer responsible for the work associated with that task but you are accountable for its outcome.
For any decision, strategy or task both the accountable and responsible person have a duty to answer to success or failure. However, the accountable person has a greater duty. In many situations, the responsible person does the actual work and makes the decisions. The accountable person has a management or governance role to oversee the work.
Overview: Accountability vs Responsibility
Type
Accountability Definition
The duty to answer for the success or failure of a strategy, process or task.
Responsibility Definition
The duty to deliver a strategy, process or task.
Primary Differences
Responsibility can be delegated, accountability is a function of your position.
Responsibility is associated with work and decision making, accountability is associated with management or governance.
Related Concepts

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