Which of the following can't be delegated?

Both 1 and 3

The correct answer is option 4- Responsibility and accountability

According to the principle of absolute responsibility, authority can be delegated but responsibility and accountability cannot be delegated by a manager. The manager is responsible or accountable to his own superior for both, the tasks that he has assigned his subordinates and the acts of his subordinates.

Accountability implies being answerable for the final outcome. Once authority has been delegated and responsibility accepted, one cannot deny accountability. It cannot be delegated and flows upwards, i.e., a subordinate will be accountable to a superior for satisfactory performance of work. It indicates that the manager has to ensure the proper discharge of duties by his subordinates. It is generally enforced through regular feedback on the extent of work accomplished. The subordinate will be expected to explain the consequences of his actions or omissions.

Responsibility: Responsibility is the obligation of a subor-dinate to properly perform the assigned duty. It arises from a superior– subordinate relationship because the subor-dinate is bound to perform the duty assigned to him by his superior. Thus, responsibility flows upwards, i.e., a subordinate will always be responsible to his superior. While aspects of responsibility can be delegated, ultimate responsibility cannot be fully delegated. Even if someone delegates a task, they still hold responsibility for ensuring it is completed satisfactorily.

In conclusion, it can be stated that while authority is delegated, responsibility is assumed, accountability is imposed. Responsibility is derived from authority and accountability is derived from responsibility.