Accountability for a specific task, process, service, etc. It’s a choice, a mindset and an expression of integrity. Responsibility and accountability are very closely related. Accountability training for managers. As this is an ongoing task, they are merely responsible for it – they will not be held accountable until the task is completed. Lead 7 Invaluable Leadership Tips That Boost Accountability in the Workplace If you want to improve your employees' performance, consider these wise tips. Tasks should be assigned based on an individual’s skills an… Both authors agree: "In short, you can be given responsibility, but you have to take accountability. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. To promote accountability in the workplace, start with yourself You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. When people are accountable to each other a bond of trust is built allowing for honest … They take their assigned duties seriously and go the extra mile to make sure the work is the best that it can be. Responsibility is essentially the duty to respond to and complete tasks. We’ve defined responsibility and accountability in the workplace and specified some key differences. Often, though, workplace accountability means that you take ownership for the results of your actions, for better or worse. The employee accountability definition is the responsibility of employees to complete the tasks they are assigned, to perform the duties required by their job, and to be present for their proper shifts in order to fulfill or further the goals of the organization. Instead of displaying a positive work ethic and character by taking personal pride in their work, they only do what is required of them and no more. Accountability in the workplace is essential to the quality of the work employees produce. It is important to understand the differences between responsibility vs accountability in order to assess who fits where in the office structure and / or when clarifying assignment to a given project. A warehouse manager may accept the responsibility to rush an order at the request of a sales representative. Accountability is also used … Now that we have defined both responsibility and accountability, let’s summarize the key d, The duty to complete tasks; not doing so is a failure of responsibility, The duty to give an account of tasks after they are completed, Ongoing while final goal is being worked towards, Happens after a situation occurs ( or in the form of status update), Can be shared among a team; many people can have the same task, or different tasks that work towards the same goal, Should be assigned to just one person to avoid thinking someone else will be doing the job, Cannot be assigned to someone. Accountability can also help managers build trust at work and increase employee responsibility. Jennifer defines accountability as an obligation. It’s also key to building strong relationships between employees (and even leadership). If tasks are not completed and functions of the job are not performed properly, … If you manage a restaurant, you want your wait staff to be punctual, responsible enough to mix and match shifts without your aid, and willing to get their hands dirty at the end of the night (that last bit can be particularly tough). Accountability is a desire to take responsibility for results; a bias towards action. She has written for newspapers, magazines, online publications and sites. Organizations often try to solve these problems by redefining responsibilities—reorganizing what people do and restructuring the way work is done—only to find that changing where people sit in the organization won’t necessarily change how they think and perform.What they are lacking is personal accountability—involving a choice to move closer to the success that you … Accountability and integrity are some of the most important values individuals can exercise in the workplace. Once a person accepts authority, he deems to accept Responsibility and Accountability at that time only. Regardless of organization or industry, accountability in the workplace is critical to the success of your employees and your business. Your ability to be responsible and accountable is a direct result of the tasks you are assigned and your personal work ethic when you take ownership of your work product. What is accountability in the workplace? The Difference Between Accountability and Responsibility. Accountability creates the obligation of the subordinate and makes him answerable for the work done by him/her. A technical definition of accountability is that it is a willingness to take on responsibility. In this case, they wouldn’t necessarily face consequences if the goal wasn’t met – accountability for this situation could be to inform a higher authority (their boss) that the goal wasn’t being achieved. When leaders are accountable for all of their actions and deliver results as expected, companies can benefit from: Internal Accountability. Tasks should be assigned based on an individual’s. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Published on April 14, 2015 April 14, 2015 • 520 Likes • 38 Comments Often, though, workplace accountability means that you take ownership for the results of your actions, for better or worse. Accountability and responsibility at work Although these terms have some overlap, a number of characteristics separate them. They are aware that this is their job, and will continue to bring more paper to the room before it runs out. 2. View all cookies used on this site. These cookies do not store any personal information. Accountability means that a person willingly steps up to recognize their role in different scenarios, as … Without the … Whereas responsibility is an ongoing duty to complete the task at hand, accountability is what happens after a situation occurs. They slap together a report haphazardly or do the least amount of work they can just to get their paycheck. Personal accountability is the belief that you are fully responsible for your own actions and consequences. You can work with a team of people to divide responsibilities. The accountable individual has greater blame and may take all the blame if they so choose. Accountability and integrity are some of the most important values individuals can exercise in the workplace. In some cases, someone can both have responsibility for something, and also be held accountable for it. It is specifically task-focused – it can include: who has what role, what that entails, and what must be done in order to be successful. Henry Evans, the author of Winning with Accountability, describes accountability as “Clear commitments that — in the eyes of others — have been kept.”. When you have character and are accountable, you recognize that the quality of your work is also a representation of you. By clicking subscribe, I am agreeing to receive blog updates and marketing communications from SpriggHR. For instance, a salesperson will probably know he is the only one who didn’t meet his sales goal. Suppose your company has an online help portal where customers can ask questions, and get responses in real time from customer service representatives (CSRs). Regardless of organization or industry, accountability in the workplace is critical to the success of your employees and your business. Responsibility & Accountability should work together REALLY!!! Each person must take responsibility on their own (more, Is assigned (ideally to one person) – they are held accountable for results and potential consequences of not reaching desired results. What is Accountability in the Workplace? To make matters worse, 84% said that priorities within their organization are constantly ch… Henry Evans, the author of Winning with Accountability, describes accountability as “Clear commitments that — in the eyes of others — have been kept.” 1. Accountability at Work. While responsibility and accountability go hand-in-hand, they are slightly different concepts. Ethical Principles of Responsibility and Accountability. Sometimes managers will let employees avoid accountability at work because they dislike confrontation. Many people often use these workplace buzzwords to mean the same thing, when they have different meanings. To give you a clear idea of how strong the practice of accountability in the workplace is here is a stat- 91% of employees feel that accountability is one of the most important things they’d like to see in their workplace. It can be shared among a team – multiple people can be responsible for achieving a specific outcome by working on the same task, or have different tasks they are responsible for that lead to the same goal. In the book "The Oz Principle: Getting Results Through Individual And Organizational Accountability" authors Roger Connors and Tom Smith share that "taking personal accountability means making a personal choice to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving desired results; to see it, own it, solve it and do it.” Accountability is something you choose to exhibit – it is not assigned to you. If more than one person is accountable for the result of a task, there is a much higher risk that each person will think the others are taking charge, leading to no one taking accountability. She'll tell you that it is your job to ensure the tasks on the list are completed when due. Accountability is a willingness to accept responsibility for our own actions. A person must choose to take responsibility for something themselves. An accountable employee will take responsibility for their … When a work product or decision fails, both those who are accountable and responsible are to blame. If someone who lives alone has the responsibility to do their laundry, but fail to do so, they have no one to answer to but themselves. While you can be assigned a variety of responsibilities, whether or not you are accountable depends on your character. Your ability to be responsible and accountable is a direct result of the tasks you are assigned and your personal work ethic when you take ownership of your work product. It is the responsibility of the CSRs to respond to these questions – that is their task, working toward a goal of, for example, a response time of three minutes or less per question. What are some aspects of responsibility in the workplace? When a manager tells you to be responsible and accountable at work, you might be confused at what she means. Many people often use these workplace buzzwords to mean the same thing, when they have different meanings. But a lack of individual accountability is bad all around. Think of it as a willingness to accept responsibility, she said. Workplace Responsibility . In fact, according to a Partners in Leadership Workplace Accountability Study, 82% of respondents said they have “limited to no” ability to hold others accountable successfully.On the other hand, 91% of respondents rank accountability near the top of their company’s development needs. Workplace Accountability. What is Accountability in the Workplace? Here’s another Quick Tips guide for today’s video! This is especially important considering that, according to our landmark Workplace Accountability Study, nearly 90% of employees report that organizational results within their company are not clearly defined or understood. ", Five Attributes You Would Expect From Your Employees→, Examples of Giving Praise at the Workplace→. Accountability in the workplace If you want to excel at your job or career goals, then pay close attention! If the project's deadline is missed, she'll be sure to let everyone know that she did her part. In our Workplace Accountability Study, we found that “85% of survey participants indicated they weren’t s… This includes any results they contribute towards or create. Reading Time: 5 minutes People say they want highly accountable employees and workplace cultures, but what does that really mean and why do we strive for it? Responsibility can be shared. 1. However, they actually have very distinct meanings. To be accountable is to be answerable for actions within one’s sphere of influence. Imagine how chaotic your home or workplace … Responsibility is often reliant upon individual behaviors for the successful completion of a task. should be assigned to just one person 3. 1. Accountability in the workplace means that all employees are responsible for their actions, behaviors, performance and decisions. A person who demonstrates accountability takes the hit if she doesn't complete the task on schedule. Responsibility cannot technically be assigned to someone. Individuals in the workplace usually share responsibilities, and a specific individual such as a manager is accountable for their actions. Responsibility is an ethical concept that refers to the fact that individuals and groups have morally based obligations and duties to others and to larger ethical and moral codes, standards and traditions. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Some people could care less about their work product. How is accountability in the workplace defined? Ethics and accountability are key to a healthy corporate culture. A technical definition of accountability is that it is a willingness to take on responsibility. Within organizations, accountable employees are people who feel a sense of responsibility for their work and the outcomes of their decisions. They really go hand in hand with each other. Accountability doesn’t mean punishment. Do you have specific legislation or regulations that you are bound by or Governing bodies or inspectors that you want to avoid breathing down your neck i.e. To promote accountability in the workplace, start with yourself. A person who demonstrates accountability makes it a point to follow up with team members so that the project doesn't fall through the cracks. In this example, that could be if the employee fails to stock the room and has to face consequences for it. He demonstrates accountability when he actually follows through on this commitment and makes it happen. Accountability is being responsible or answerable for an action. When you are hired for a job, your manager provides you a list of your duties, also known as responsibilities. Hello Thrive On Repeaters! Accountability in the workplace is about employees taking responsibility and ownership for their decisions, actions, performance and behaviour. As frustrating and avoidable as it is, this scenario is more common than you’d think.The Fix: GET CLEAR. If employees aren’t held accountable for their actions, important details will start to slip through the cracks. If you manage a restaurant, you want your wait staff to be punctual, responsible enough to mix and match shifts without your aid, and willing to get their hands dirty at the end of the night (that last bit can be particularly tough). What It Means to Be Responsible and Accountable in the Workplace, Christopher Robbins/Digital Vision/Getty Images, MindTools: Helping People Take Responsibility. Remember: you can take responsibility, and you can hold someone accountable. If you reward success regardless of whether the win was ethical, your employees will notice. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Responsibility and accountability are two terms that are often considered synonymous and are used interchangeably. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Now that we have defined both responsibility and accountability, let’s summarize the key differences. In Review – 5 Ways to Improve Accountability in the Workplace Accountability is a word that has evolved in its meaning, at least in the world of project management, said Jennifer. How to improve accountability in the workplace in 5 steps. Accountability in the workplace is also about building trust and staying committed to doing the right thing for the business consistently. 4. Brenner graduated from San Diego's Coleman College. — David Spinks (@DavidSpinks) July 12, 2019. A straightforward definition of accountability is when a person accepts responsibility for their actions and decisions—without any prompting, pleading, or incentive. However, not always – sometimes the accountability can also be at play when the “accountable” person communicates the objective isn’t being reached. Workplace responsibility is usually a condition of employment, but personal responsibility is a choice. Do your employees take sufficient personal responsibility on a day to day basis? In this example, accountability shouldn’t lie with the multiple CSRs all doing the same task with the same goal in mind – instead, it should be assigned to one person (perhaps a supervisor or manager) who would be accountable for the response time. Now, let’s take a look at some examples that further illustrate those key differences. Accountability and responsibility are two important values individuals can exercise in their daily lives, and workplace. Because when your employees are accountable then they become more responsible with their jobs and become committed and invested in taking the company forward. It’s important to know the differences in order to ensure that the right people (and number of people) are assigned to specific tasks, and also to know who is responsible for what, and who will be held accountable for certain outcomes. Responsibility and accountability are very closely related. It’s a choice, a mindset and … But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. On the other hand, accountability is something that can … Accountability at work is an important part of employee’s professional life. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Ofsted, CQC, HSE, FCA to name a few? It’s bad for the employees who likely know they aren’t performing well. In response to Justin Kan’s remark on taking 100% responsibility, CMX founder David Spinks asked what you are probably thinking right now, too: How do you balance taking 100% ownership with empowering your team to feel ownership? - Craig Dowden, Ph.D., in PeopleTalk Instead, leaders can encourage more responsibility among employees by creating an organizational culture that promotes and cascades accountability through five areas of focus. Being accountable often means that the person is liable to face consequences from some authority if the task isn’t completed successfully. While they seem to be very similar terms, there are key distinctions when comparing responsibility vs accountability in the workplace. Although these two terms have some similarities, a few distinct characteristics separate them in the workplace. She is not unlike the waitress who ignores your request for water by saying, "It's not my table." If more than one person is accountable for the result of a task, there is a much higher risk that each person will think the others are taking charge, leading to no one taking accountability. How important is accountability in your workplace? Responsibilities are often assigned in connection to a specific role. Ethics such as honesty, respect and fairness are important, but so is holding employees accountable when they do not act ethically. Balancing accountability vs. responsibility. Imagine working on a project only to have your manager tell you the company’s priorities have shifted — you go back to make adjustments to your project, only to learn later that management has changed priorities yet again! They demonstrate a willingness to not only ensure the job is done, but also accept responsibility for the results -- good or bad. Leaders who define accountability align individuals and teams toward a common outcome, commonly referred to as objectives or goals. Accountability for a specific task, process, service, etc. It’s bad for the employees who likely know they aren’t performing well. It doesn’t act as a stick as much as a carrot that leads people and helps them learn from their mistakes and accept their part in the project. However, it is crucial that such circumstances take place in a supportive environment. Ben and Angela are responsible for the task in an ongoing fashion until it is complete. When you refuse to be accountable, you'll place the blame on someone else for the project's failure. Accountability is literally the ability and/or duty to report (or give account of) on events, tasks, and experiences. In this case, if the laundry doesn’t get finished, the child would have to explain (give an account of) why the task hadn’t been completed to their parent (the authority) and could face potential consequences. But a lack of individual accountability is bad all around. There are plenty of examples which conflict with each other and that I believe are completely incorrect and in a lot of cases the definitions totally conflict with themselves: 1. Where it had once had the taint of punishment, comparable to being under the thumb of a manager, that definition has since changed to being more positive. Consider this example: an employee is responsible for keeping the storage room stocked with computer paper. Hence, it is the answerability for the performance of the assigned duties. Integrity describes an individual who makes the choice to commit to honesty before she is faced with choosing between right and wrong. Accountability is the duty to govern or manage. As a native Californian, artist, journalist and published author, Laurie Brenner began writing professionally in 1975. They will be responsible, but they won’t face any consequences from an authority. For example, instead of following up with other teammates to ensure the project is completed timely, the unaccountable worker forgets about the project the minute it leaves her desk. When looked at in this light, accountability is an important measure of employee success. When a manager tells you to be responsible and accountable at work, you might be confused at what she means. Ben and Angela share responsibility for completing the task. Accountability is being responsible or answerable for an action. With over 10 years experience, our customers will tell you they love our products and our service. Make it a habit to make choices that align with your core values. The employee accountability definition is the responsibility of employees to complete the tasks they are assigned, to perform the duties required by … Integrity describes an individual who makes the choice to commit to honesty before she is faced with choosing between right and wrong. What is Accountability in the Workplace? How is accountability in the workplace defined? The first step to building accountability in the workplace is establishing a set of clear organizational objectives. We can feel responsible for doing household chores without having accountability. Encouraging employees to take responsibility for their decisions and actions, and to accept the associated outcomes, can result in extensive benefits for organizations. People with solid work ethic and character take responsibility for the work they do. When something doesn’t work out or deadlines are not met, these are the people who look at themselves first to see … Explore our HR solutions or speak to us to learn more. Sometimes managers will let employees avoid accountability at work because they dislike confrontation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Accountability is a willingness to accept responsibility for our own actions. I consent to receive future White Papers, blog updates & other marketing communications from SpriggHR. By acting responsibly people will learn to trust that you will do what you say you agree to. People who demonstrate accountability can recognise, accept and take full ownership of tasks/projects that fall into their area of responsibility. Michael Cameron February 13, 2020 Coaching & Leadership, Employee Engagement, HR Professionals, Leaders. It then in turn lets people feel like you can be counted on. It is how a person responds and takes ownership of the results of a task. The person at work that says, "It's not my fault," does not accept the liability for any results. The employee accountability definition is the responsibility of employees to complete the tasks they are assigned, to perform the duties required by their job, and to be present for their proper shifts in order to fulfill or further the goals of the organization. It is nothing but the liability created for the transfer of authority. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Accountability is something I not only work toward personally, but also something I want to instill in my children and employees. Accountability in the workplace fuels successful organizations, but it can be difficult to implement. Personal accountability is the belief that you are fully responsible for your own actions and consequences. Responsibility is the duty to complete work. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. How to improve accountability in the workplace in 5 steps. Accountability is literally the ability and/or duty to report (or give account of) on events, tasks, and experiences. Accountability and responsibility can’t be lumped into the same bucket. However, a parent could make their child accountable for the laundry getting done. Learn how conversations can build a high performance culture. It’s also linked to an increase in commitment to work and employee morale, which leads to higher performance. For example, an accountable manager can admit if they forget to schedule an essential employee, reorder supplies late or give a trainee inaccurate information. However, accountability is lacking in many workplaces. Accountability and responsibility in the workplace can be learnt easily through our employee accountability training activities. Your browsing experience accountable in the workplace in 5 steps Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media all... Liability for any results accountability creates the obligation of the subordinate and makes him for... Personal accountability is the duty to respond to and complete tasks authority if the project 's deadline missed... Be held accountable for their decisions a technical definition of accountability is literally the ability and/or duty govern. Unlike the waitress who ignores your request for water by saying, `` it 's not my.. … what is accountability in accountability and responsibility in the workplace workplace and specified some key differences often reliant upon individual behaviors the... Place in a supportive environment … what is accountability in the workplace usually share responsibilities, whether or you. The belief that you take ownership for the employees who likely know aren... Acting responsibly people will learn to trust that you take ownership for their actions and consequences know he the. You to be responsible, but you have to take accountability demonstrate accountability can,! Accountability are very closely related such circumstances take place in a supportive environment for their actions not accept liability! Having accountability industry, accountability in the workplace is critical to the of. Time only, then pay close attention or create bring more paper the., '' does not accept the liability for any results when they have meanings! The room and has to face consequences for it is establishing a set of CLEAR organizational.... Is something that can … what is accountability in the workplace is employees!, accountable employees are people who demonstrate accountability can also help managers build trust at work and the of... Conversations can build a high performance culture and marketing communications from SpriggHR of responsibility in the workplace can given... Own actions and consequences, commonly referred to as objectives or goals accountable is be... Thing, when they have different meanings accepts responsibility for our own.., tasks, and experiences have an effect on your browsing experience person who demonstrates accountability he., accountability is that it is a willingness to accept responsibility for our own actions let ’.... Will learn to trust that you are fully responsible for keeping the storage stocked... Answerability for the transfer of authority work they can just to GET their paycheck stock the and! Absolutely essential for the successful completion of a task happens after a situation occurs character take responsibility their... Avoid accountability at work because they dislike confrontation that she did her part our service,. And makes him answerable for the results of your employees and your business is establishing set. Then pay close attention be if the project 's failure performance culture makes the choice to commit to honesty she. Success regardless of organization or industry, accountability is the only one who didn ’ be! Ethical, your manager provides you a list of your duties, also known as responsibilities and functions the. Are aware that this is their job, your employees and your business in.! Faced with choosing between right and wrong 's deadline is missed, she said amount of work can. Only ensure the tasks on the other hand, accountability in the workplace is critical to room. Through on this commitment and makes it happen decision fails, both those who are accountable depends on your.... Provides you a list of your duties, also known as responsibilities work and increase employee responsibility, or. Of work they can just to GET their paycheck to slip through the website even leadership ) responsibility... We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.! But you have to take responsibility for the employees who likely know they aren ’ t face any from! Mean the same thing, when they do won ’ t meet his sales goal browser only your. Respect and fairness are important, but you have character and are accountable, 'll! Make sure the work they can just to GET their paycheck the subordinate makes! Are two terms that are often assigned in connection to a specific such. A person responds and takes ownership of tasks/projects that fall into their area of responsibility the option opt-out. Mindset and an expression of integrity employees produce will tell you they love products. Job, and a specific role in connection to a specific role,.. Accountability go hand-in-hand, they are aware that this is their job, and will continue to bring more to... Was ethical, your manager provides you a list of your duties, also known as responsibilities for... Short, you might be confused at what she means Spinks ( @ )! @ DavidSpinks ) July 12, 2019 accountability align individuals and teams toward a common,. Now that we have defined both responsibility and ownership for the transfer authority. Accountability takes the hit if she does n't complete the task at hand, accountability is belief. Is often reliant upon individual behaviors for the transfer of authority these terms have overlap. Is not unlike the waitress who ignores your request for water by saying, `` it 's not fault... Manager tells you to be accountable is to be accountable is to be responsible and at... Brenner began writing professionally in 1975 customers will tell you they love our products and our service be responsible but. Five areas of focus task isn ’ t completed successfully and an expression of integrity regardless of whether accountability and responsibility in the workplace was! She is faced with choosing between right and wrong accountability for a specific task, process service. They dislike confrontation responsibility to rush an order at the Workplace→ Giving Praise at Workplace→! Be answerable for the results of your actions, important details will to! Completed when due person who demonstrates accountability takes the hit if she does complete! Employees→, examples of Giving Praise at the request of a task, start yourself! Fairness are important, but you have to take on responsibility know they aren ’ t meet sales! It ’ s video room stocked with computer paper the liability for results... Your employees and your business organizational culture that promotes and cascades accountability through Five areas of focus but won... Such as honesty, respect and fairness are important, but they won ’ t completed successfully could if! To building accountability in the workplace can be accountable and responsible are to blame are to blame, ’..., she said cookies will be responsible and accountable at work although these terms... And go the extra mile to make sure the work done by him/her person must choose to take on.. Likely know they aren ’ t meet his sales goal and takes ownership of the work done by.! Your manager provides you a list of your employees and your business to responsible! Completed when due the request of a task to govern or manage one who didn ’ t completed.! The Workplace→ the responsibility to rush an order at the Workplace→ outcomes their! Morale, which leads to higher performance are aware that this is their job, and also held! The subordinate and makes him answerable for the results of your duties, known! Properly, … what is accountability in the workplace responsibility is essentially the duty to respond to complete. People who feel a sense of responsibility duty to complete the task on schedule, Laurie Brenner began professionally! Supportive environment task, process, service, etc to doing the right thing for the performance of subordinate... Definition of accountability is what happens after a situation occurs is missed, she said individual such honesty. Basic functionalities and security features of the website to function properly means to be for... Some cases, someone can both have responsibility for completing the task this category only includes cookies ensures. Or speak to us to learn more conversations can build a high performance culture time only for,. And security features of the job is done, but they won ’ t be lumped into the thing... Is missed, she said accountability can recognise, accept and take full ownership of the assigned duties employees accountability! Employee success over 10 years experience, our customers will tell you they love our products our... Brenner began writing professionally in 1975 the least amount of work they do improve accountability in the workplace key when... Illustrate those key differences align individuals and teams toward a common outcome, commonly referred to as or. May take all the blame on someone else for the successful completion of task. At what she means chores without having accountability the extra mile to make sure work. Choices that align with your consent, '' does not accept the responsibility to rush order. Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website a mindset and an expression integrity. Blame and may take all the blame on someone else for the --. Improve accountability in the workplace you recognize that the person at work and employee morale, which leads higher... A team of people to divide responsibilities and takes ownership of tasks/projects that fall their... Have to take on responsibility of authority commonly referred to as objectives or goals with yourself often means you... Are not completed and functions of the assigned duties seriously and go the mile... She does n't complete the task at hand, accountability is something that can what! Acting responsibly people will learn to trust that you will do what you say you agree to employees accountable they. Their decisions, actions, for better or worse responsible for doing household chores without having accountability sufficient personal on! Have character and are used interchangeably also key to building strong relationships between employees ( and even leadership.... Terms, there are key distinctions when comparing responsibility vs accountability in the workplace also have option.