Difference Between Duties And Responsibilities

What Is Duty?

The word duty originates from the Latin word ‘debere’, which means obligation to call to do something. It also determines what a person should have done in the normal course of action in general or in certain circumstances.

Duty is what we have to do according to the conventions, law or moral rules. It can also be differentiated according to the law and regulations, but duty also has personal suggestions based on one’s values, too.

However, the law ruling the country has some specified certain duties which must be followed by each and every citizen. It reveals an invisible force that binds a person to do something which is seen as the right in the eyes of law, whose non-performance may end in certain fine or punishment.

Duty is also the required task, conduct, work or service that comes into view of an individual’s position, occupation or role. Although, in management, the word “duty” is used to describe the tasks or functions which an employee has to perform, as it is a part of his/her job. A sense of duty also means to obey political, legal and moral rules which are set out by an organization.

What You Need To Know Duty

• The word duty comes from the Latin word ‘debere’, meaning obligation; to call to do something.
• Duties can be described as obligation or moral commitment which an individual is expected to perform.
• Duties are ascribed to people naturally; this is expected of and from a reasonable human beings i.e duty of care. For example it is the duty of parents to provide food and clothing to their children.
• Duties can also be described as undertaking done from a sense of moral obligation rather than for pleasure.
• Performing one’s duty may require some sacrifice of self-interest.
• The term duty may also refer to a form of taxation levied on certain goods, services or other transactions.

What Is Responsibility?

Responsibility is used correspondingly with the word duty. It originated from the Latin word ‘respondere’ which means to vouch; respond to something. It also defines the state of being responsible as in morally accountable or having an obligation to do something. Responsibility involves decision-making and it comes with one having specific duties. It also comes in two parts: it can be given to you, but you also have to take the responsibility by accepting the role or task given to you.

It also makes a person liable or accountable for the completion of the task, or safekeeping of valuables or cash, or the protection of a person. Therefore, the person who takes up the responsibility has to be ready to bear the consequences, for his or her actions or decisions taken in this regard, which may either be positive or negative.

Responsibility is frequently attached with the authority to give directions and take appropriate actions when required. When authority is assigned to a person, he or she becomes responsible for its performance and the best use of the assigned authority.

What You Need To Know

• The word responsibility originates from the Latin word ‘respondere’ meaning to vouch; respond to something.
• Responsibility can be described as liability which is assumed or accepted by a person as part of his job demand or description.
• Responsibilities are demanded-duties that are brought upon yourself because of our close connections with others e.g responsibilities you have towards your children.
• Responsibility can also be defined as the opportunity or ability to act independently and take decisions without authorization.
• Responsibility is also the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something i.e The group has claimed responsibility for a string of failures.
• Responsibility is absolute and one cannot delegate it.
• Accountability arises out of responsibility. The person who accepts responsibility is also accountable for his performance.
• Responsibility is a derivative of authority. When a superior delegates authority to his subordinates, the latter becomes responsible to the former for the performance of the task.

Also Read: Difference Between Faithful And Loyal

Difference Between Duties And Responsibilities In Tabular Form