Accountability vs Responsibility

Accountability and responsibility are two words we throw around, often as if they are interchangeable. We ask for them, nay, expect them from those we operate with at work, at home, and in our communities. The key to achieving common ground here is the same as with anything else — communication; except we seldom surround our expectation of responsibility and/or accountability with the required depth of discussion and agreement. Consequently, when we mention either, they are equated more with a feeling of unmet expectations and pressure than a willingness to stand for their positive representation.

There are several subtle differences between accountability and responsibility that vary according to the scenario. These nuances can be confusing without discussion as even the dictionary lumps the two together. Confusion causes cloudiness, which causes frustration; when what accountability and responsibility cry out for is clarity. Let’s unpack it a little.

Accountability is a factual answerability for the outcome of an action or set of actions and is assigned to one person. Assigning accountability to more than one person is a recipe for deflection — the definition of lack of accountability. Accountability is attached to a defined task, set of steps or outcome, and ends with its completion.