Authority should be delegated to the lowest level of competence commensurate with the subordinate's assigned responsibility and capabilities means which of the following people is accountable for the performance of a task?

Authority should be delegated to the lowest level of competence commensurate with the subordinate's assigned responsibility and capabilities means which of the following people is accountable for the performance of a task?

• A. Commanding officer
• B. Division officer
• C. Petty officer assigning the task
• D. Subordinate performing the task

Answer: (C)

Delegation places accountability with the person who assigns the task. When authority is given, the one who delegates must ensure the subordinate has the right competence, resources, and clear instructions, and that appropriate supervision is in place. That means the petty officer who assigns the task is ultimately responsible for how the task is carried out and for whether it’s done correctly. The commanding officer has overall unit responsibility, and the division officer oversees a group, but for this specific task the direct responsibility rests with the person who gave the assignment. The person actually performing the task is accountable for execution, but the accountability for how the task was delegated and managed sits with the person who assigned it.

Delegation places accountability with the person who assigns the task. When authority is given, the one who delegates must ensure the subordinate has the right competence, resources, and clear instructions, and that appropriate supervision is in place. That means the petty officer who assigns the task is ultimately responsible for how the task is carried out and for whether it’s done correctly. The commanding officer has overall unit responsibility, and the division officer oversees a group, but for this specific task the direct responsibility rests with the person who gave the assignment. The person actually performing the task is accountable for execution, but the accountability for how the task was delegated and managed sits with the person who assigned it.