These two terms often considered as the same meaning. However, there is a big difference between them.

Let’s understand this through a small example. Consider that we operate a school. In case of a mishap to a student during the journey in our school bus, even though the driver is responsible, he can say, he did not notice or seen the child. This means, even though he is responsible he may provide excuse.

However, being the school management, we can’t offer those excuses. Instead, we’re held accountable for the entire safety and security of the child.

Thus, we can conclude that responsibility can be delegated, but accountability cannot.

Additionally, let’s consider an example where an organization sends its employee to a customer. The employer will be held responsible for any mistakes made by the employee and cannot blame or transfer accountability to the employee.

Responsibility can be delegated. Accountability cannot.