Responsibility versus Accountability...What's the difference?

Don't responsibility and accountability mean the same thing? Actually, they don't.

Responsibility means you have the duty to fulfill a task or an assignment.

Accountability means that, even if you don't have direct control over a task or process or initiative, you still have to show the results.

A boss can pass on responsibility for his or her duties because he or she has many things to do, but cannot pass on accountability; he or she is still ultimately the person who has to account for and show results against the success or failure of a task or initiative or effort.

Bottom line is that the buck stops with the boss and he or she will have to provide an accounting for what does or does not happen. Everything ultimately belongs to the boss.

It's all yours, baby. Enjoy.