Authority, Responsibility, and Accountability

Question 1

How is Authority defined ?

Answer 1

Authority is the power to judge act or command.

Question 2

How is Responsibility Defined?

Answer 2

Responsibility is the legal & morale obligation to behave correctly and carry out prescribed duties.

Question 3

How is accountability Defined?

Answer 3

Accountability is accepting the consequences of action or inaction for which one bears responsibilities.

Question 4

What article of the UCMJ prevents abuse of authority?

Answer 4

Article 138

Matters appropriate to address under Article 138 include discretionary acts or omissions by a commander that adversely affect the member personally and are:

In violation of law or regulation
Beyond the legitimate authority of that commander
Arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion
Clearly unfair (e.g., selective application of standards)

Procedures for FilMatters appropriate to address under Article 138 include discretionary acts or omissions by a commander that adversely affect the member personally and are:

In violation of law or regulation
Beyond the legitimate authority of that commander
Arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion
Clearly unfair (e.g., selective application of standards)

Procedures for Fil

Question 5

Where does USCG get authority ?

Answer 5

Legal Authority & Morale Authority

Legal 
1. Congress
2. Oath of Office duties of a commissioned officer
3. Article 2 of the constitution 
4. Commissioning Certificate
5. CG Regulations 
COMDTINST 5000.3
6. Code of Federal Regulations 

Morale Authority

1. Upbringing
2. Personal Experience
3. Integrity

Question 6

What is Noblesse Oblige ?

Answer 6

Privileged has a responsibility to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged.

Question 7

An officer that can’t delegate is not a _______.

Answer 7

Leader

Question 8

Authority vs. Responsibility in regards to delegation.

Answer 8

Authority can be delegated but responsibility “CAN NOT” be delegated.

Responsibility is Absolute*

*Responsibility can be shared however. i.e. SAR chain of command.

Question 9

ARA Triangle of Trust

Answer 9

interrelation between Authority, Responsibility, and Authority on each leg of the triangle with trust in the middle. Signifying each element is interrelated and based on a foundation of trust.