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CMA Foundation · Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management · Planning, Organizing, Staffing and Leading

Meera, a regional sales head at a Pune firm, assigns a task to her team leader Arjun and gives him the necessary authority. According to the accepted principle of delegation, what happens to Meera's own accountability for the task?

Meera's accountability remains with her. In delegation, authority can be passed down and the subordinate becomes responsible for performing the task, but the delegator stays answerable to her superior for the final outcome. Accountability cannot be shifted entirely or shared away by delegating the work.

  1. AIt passes completely to Arjun and Meera is free of it
  2. BIt is shared equally, half with Arjun and half with Meera
  3. CIt remains with Meera, because accountability cannot be delegated awayCorrect
  4. DIt lapses once Arjun accepts the task

Explanation

Authority and responsibility for performing a task can be delegated, but the delegator remains answerable to her own superior for the final result. Hence accountability stays with Meera. The idea that it passes fully or splits equally contradicts the principle that ultimate accountability cannot be transferred.

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