________ is the obligation of a subordinate to properly perform the assigned duty.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Responsibility
Option (1) Accountability — Incorrect. Accountability means being answerable for the final result. The subordinate must explain to the superior how the work turned out.
Option (2) Responsibility — Correct. Responsibility is the duty to do the work that has been assigned. It arises because the subordinate is bound to perform the duty given by his superior.
Option (3) Authority — Incorrect. Authority is the right to give orders and take decisions. It flows downward from superior to subordinate.
Option (4) Cooperation — Incorrect. Cooperation is not one of the three elements of delegation, which are authority, responsibility and accountability.
Note: NCERT prints “subor-dinate” for “subordinate” in the lines quoted below.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “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. …” “Accountability: … Accountability implies being answerable for the final outcome. Once authority has been delegated and responsibility accepted, one cannot deny accountability. …” |