Which of the following correctly describes responsibility as an eleme…

The correct answer is Option (1) → It cannot be entirely delegated, and it flows upward from subordinate to superior.

Option (1) It cannot be entirely delegated, and it flows upward from subordinate to superior. — Correct. Responsibility is a subordinate’s duty to do the assigned task properly. A manager can pass on the work, yet he remains responsible to his own superior, so it cannot be entirely delegated. It flows upward, because a subordinate is always responsible to his superior.

Option (2) It cannot be entirely delegated, and it flows downward from superior to subordinate. — Incorrect. The first part is right, but the direction is wrong. Responsibility flows upward; it is authority that flows from superior to subordinate.

Option (3) It can be delegated, and it flows upward from subordinate to superior. — Incorrect. The direction is right, but responsibility cannot be fully delegated. Only authority can be delegated.

Option (4) It can be delegated, and it flows downward from superior to subordinate. — Incorrect. Both parts describe authority, which can be delegated and flows downward from superior to subordinate.

Note: Four short rows compare authority, responsibility and accountability side by side. A few minutes with this small table keeps the three from getting mixed up in the exam.