Which statement best describes the relationship between delegation and accountability?

Which statement best describes the relationship between delegation and accountability?

• A. Delegation transfers responsibility with authority while remaining accountable for outcomes.
• B. Delegation eliminates accountability for the leader.
• C. Delegation removes the need to monitor progress.
• D. Delegation should be avoided to maintain control.

Answer: (A)

Delegation is about entrusting tasks to others with the authority they need to complete them, while the person who delegated remains accountable for the results. This means you empower your team by giving the right level of decision-making power, but you still own the outcome and must monitor progress, provide guidance, and follow up. The best statement captures this balance: responsibility and authority are transferred to the person doing the work, but accountability stays with the leader who delegated. This view fits because accountability doesn’t vanish when you pass off work, and delegation isn’t about removing oversight or avoiding monitoring. It’s a purposeful way to expand capability and ensure goals are met, with accountability maintained through ongoing oversight and evaluation.

Delegation is about entrusting tasks to others with the authority they need to complete them, while the person who delegated remains accountable for the results. This means you empower your team by giving the right level of decision-making power, but you still own the outcome and must monitor progress, provide guidance, and follow up. The best statement captures this balance: responsibility and authority are transferred to the person doing the work, but accountability stays with the leader who delegated.

This view fits because accountability doesn’t vanish when you pass off work, and delegation isn’t about removing oversight or avoiding monitoring. It’s a purposeful way to expand capability and ensure goals are met, with accountability maintained through ongoing oversight and evaluation.