PRINCE2F People: organizations, teams, and leadership Practice Question
In PRINCE2, what is the difference between accountability and responsibility?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse accountability with responsibility, assuming they are interchangeable or that accountability can be delegated like responsibility, leading them to pick Option A or D.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Accountability is ultimately held by one person; responsibility can be shared or delegated.
In PRINCE2, accountability refers to the ultimate answerability for the successful completion of a deliverable or objective, and it is always held by a single person (e.g., the project manager is accountable for the project). Responsibility, in contrast, can be shared among multiple team members or delegated to others who perform the work. Option B correctly captures this distinction, which is fundamental to the PRINCE2 management product structure and role definitions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
There is no difference; the terms are synonyms.
Why it's wrong here
PRINCE2 distinguishes between them, especially in RACI models.
- ✓
Accountability is ultimately held by one person; responsibility can be shared or delegated.
Why this is correct
Accountability cannot be delegated, while responsibility can be shared or delegated.
- ✗
Accountability is assigned to individuals; responsibility is shared among teams.
Why it's wrong here
Both can be individual or shared, but accountability is ultimately singular.
- ✗
Accountability can be delegated; responsibility cannot.
Why it's wrong here
Responsibility can be delegated; accountability cannot.
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