Relationship Between Authority, Responsibility and Accountability

1. Accountability arises from responsibility, and responsibility typically stems from authority.

In other words, when individuals are given the power (authority) to make decisions, they are assigned specific tasks (responsibility).

Being answerable for the outcomes of these tasks creates accountability.

2. Authority is the right to do something, accountability is the duty to explain why and how it was done, and responsibility is the willingness to do it.