Which statement correctly describes responsibility in delegation?

Which statement correctly describes responsibility in delegation?

• A. It can be fully delegated with authority
• B. It can be delegated, but ultimate responsibility cannot
• C. It is the same as accountability
• D. It has no relation to authority

Answer: (B)

When you delegate, you pass on the task and give the person the power to act within defined limits, but you retain ultimate accountability for the outcome. This is why the correct statement is that responsibility can be delegated, but ultimate responsibility cannot. You might have someone handle the work and make routine decisions, yet you remain answerable to your superiors for the result, quality, and deadlines. For example, delegating the preparation of a monthly report to a team member grants them responsibility and some authority to gather data and draft it, while you still answer to management if the report is late or inaccurate. Fully delegating with authority would imply you’re not responsible for the outcome, which isn’t correct; responsibility differs from accountability, and delegation involves transferring task responsibility along with some authority, but not the ultimate accountability.

When you delegate, you pass on the task and give the person the power to act within defined limits, but you retain ultimate accountability for the outcome. This is why the correct statement is that responsibility can be delegated, but ultimate responsibility cannot. You might have someone handle the work and make routine decisions, yet you remain answerable to your superiors for the result, quality, and deadlines. For example, delegating the preparation of a monthly report to a team member grants them responsibility and some authority to gather data and draft it, while you still answer to management if the report is late or inaccurate. Fully delegating with authority would imply you’re not responsible for the outcome, which isn’t correct; responsibility differs from accountability, and delegation involves transferring task responsibility along with some authority, but not the ultimate accountability.