Accountability is a reactive phenomenon whereas responsibility is a pro-active phenomenon. Accountability is being responsible for an action executed whereas responsibility calls for ensuring the right action before its execution.

Workplace ethics calls for values which promote efficiency in company outcomes. An organization calls for division of work along multiple levels. Hence it looks for the values of responsibility and decision-making in employees to trust them to carry out their work proactively and efficiently.

An issue arising due to any decision should not affect the organizational outcome. Here, the organization looks for employees to be accountable for their actions learn from them and take responsibility for correcting them.

An employee who is both responsible and accountable will work with more efficiency and integrity rather than an employee employing just one of these values.

A responsible employee may take charge based on his capabilities but will never learn from mistakes if not accountable. The growth trajectory of the employee and the organization will halt.

An employee who is not responsible for his work but accountable for his lack of responsibility will do more harm than good to the company.

Therefore, organizations need to foster a work culture that emphasizes both accountability and responsibility.