Responsibility, Accountability, &
Authority
Principles of Navy Leadership
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Objectives
 DIFFERENTIATE between the concepts of
responsibility, accountability, and authority
(RAA) at the PO1 level.
 EXPLAIN the difference between the role of a
PO1 and PO2.
 IDENTIFY the RAA of the PO1 within the
command.
 IDENTIFY resources granting RAA to the PO1.
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Definition of Responsibility
• The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a
successful conclusion. With responsibility goes authority
to direct and take the necessary action to ensure
success.
• The obligation for the proper custody, care, and
safekeeping of property or funds entrusted to the
possession or supervision of an individual.
(DOD Terminology Program website)
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Leadership
Accountability
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MCPON Sanders: “The leader must be
accountable for actions and decisions
made, regardless of their outcome, and
meet personal commitments promptly and
fully.”
(Montor, 1998, p. 105)
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Definition of Accountability
“Accountability refers to the obligation of an
individual to render an account of the proper
discharge of his/her responsibilities.”
(Joint Publication 1-02)
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Definition of Authority
“Power to influence or command thought,
opinion, or behavior; freedom granted by
one in authority: Right.”
(Webster’s Dictionary)
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RAA Scenario
 In accordance with the command’s policy, you
are asked to provide a non-rated person for
temporary mess duty.
 Seaman (SN) Jasper was assigned to six weeks
of mess duty. The supply officer assigns SN
Jasper to the CPO Mess. SN Jasper has just
informed you the CPO culinary specialists (a
PO1 and PO2) continually harass non-rated
personnel because they feel this is a privileged
assignment.
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