IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

Which statement correctly identifies a key difference between responsibility and accountability?

1. Responsibility cannot be shared; accountability can

2. Accountability is about ongoing duty; responsibility is a one-off task

3. Responsibility can be delegated; accountability cannot be delegated

4. Both terms refer to the same concept

The correct answer is: Responsibility can be delegated; accountability cannot be delegated

Responsibility can indeed be delegated, meaning individuals can assign tasks or duties to others while remaining responsible for the overall outcome. This highlights that responsibility encompasses the duties assigned to a person and can involve collaboration. In a workplace setting, a manager might delegate specific tasks to team members, while still maintaining the overarching responsibility for the project's completion. On the other hand, accountability is inherently personal and cannot be delegated. It reflects the obligation to report on and justify outcomes. When something goes awry, accountability lies with the individual who bears the ultimate responsibility for the decisions made, regardless of who physically performed the tasks. This distinction emphasizes the difference between having a duty assigned (responsibility) and owning the results of that duty (accountability). In contrast, the other statements provided reflect misunderstandings of these concepts, either by incorrectly suggesting that responsibility cannot be shared or equating the two terms, disregarding the nuances that differentiate them. Understanding these differences is crucial in managing tasks and ensuring clarity in roles within any organization.