Which statement about responsibility in delegation is true?

• A. You are always responsible for what happens or fails to happen in your organization.
• B. Delegation transfers both responsibility and accountability completely.
• C. You should never delegate, to maintain control.
• D. Responsibility can be shared if tasks are simple.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that responsibility stays with the person in charge, even when tasks are delegated. When you lead an organization, you set goals, provide the resources and standards, and monitor progress. If tasks are handed off to others, you still own the outcomes—whether they meet expectations or fall short. That means you are always responsible for what happens or fails to happen in your organization.

Delegation does involve giving others the authority to act and to handle tasks, but it does not release you from accountability. You must ensure tasks are aligned with goals, that proper guidance and support are available, and that there are checks to keep things on track. While you can distribute work and empower team members, the final responsibility for results remains with you.

The other ideas don’t fit because transferring accountability completely isn’t accurate; you can’t absolve yourself of the outcome. Delegation is necessary for getting things done, not a reason to avoid it. And while you can divide tasks, accountability isn’t truly shared; you still hold the overarching responsibility for the organization’s performance.