Question

On a question involving a supervisor and subordinate, if there is an indication that the supervisor failed to adequately supervise, then supervisor is responsible for subordinate's wrongdoing. If, however, the supervisor acted properly but the subordinate did something bad, then the subordinate is responsible. They can also both be responsible.

A) True
B) False

Answer 1

The statement is true as it provides a general perspective on the concepts of responsibility and accountability within hierarchical organizational structures. Responsibility may lie with the supervisor, the subordinate, or both, depending on the circumstances of the misconduct and actions taken by the supervisor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question addresses the issue of responsibility and accountability within a hierarchical organizational structure—specifically between a supervisor and a subordinate. The statement is true, as it reflects the basic principles of organizational oversight. If a supervisor fails to adequately supervise, they are responsible for the subordinate's wrongdoing. This is under the premise that supervisors are responsible for the actions of their team, especially when due to their lack of proper supervision. On the other hand, if the supervisor has acted accordingly and provided the necessary guidance but the subordinate still chooses to act inappropriately, then the responsibility lies with the subordinate.

However, both the supervisor and the subordinate can be held responsible if the circumstance dictates shared culpability, such as when a supervisor is aware of an issue and doesn't act or fails to set clear expectations and the subordinate engages in misconduct. These dynamics underscore the complexity of managerial responsibility and employee accountability in the workplace.