Difference Between Duties and Responsibilities (with Comparison Chart)

Duty and Responsibility are wider terms, which are used in a number of contexts, say in the field of law, management, education, ethics and so forth. These are commonly used with one another, but they are two different terms, wherein the duty is imposed on someone, to perform something which is morally, legally or professionally considered right. It is something which we are required to do as per law, conventions, rules and norms.

On the other hand, the responsibility is undertaken, i.e. something which a person has to take care of or handle. When a person is responsible for something, he/she becomes the one to be held accountable for or blamed for its performance and completion or non-completion. In this article we are going to talk about the difference between duties and responsibilities, have a look.

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Duty	Responsibility
Meaning	Duty implies an obligation or moral commitment which an individual is expected to perform.	Responsibility refers to the liability which is assumed or accepted by a person, as a part of his job role or position.
What is it?	Binding force	Authority
Reflects	Respect or obedience, for the work, rules, superiors or elders.	Accountability for the performance or non-performance of something
Demands	Sacrifice of self-interest	Trustworthiness and loyalty
How they arise?	Imputed	Shouldered

Definition of Duty

Duty can be defined as a moral, legal, or professional obligation which a person is bound to do, otherwise, he/she has to face certain punishment or penalty. It determines what a person should have done in the normal course of action in general or in specific circumstances.

The law governing the country has specified certain duties which must be followed by every citizen. It exhibits an invisible force which binds a person to do something which is considered right in the eyes of law, whose non-performance may result in fine or punishment.

Duty is the obligatory task, conduct, work or service, that emerge out of an individual’s position, occupation or role.

In management, the word ‘duty’ is used to define the tasks or functions which an employee has to perform, as it is a part of his/her job.

In economics, duty is described as a form of tax levied by the government on the goods purchased from or sold to foreign countries. The non-payment of such taxes may result in a penalty to the exporter or importer.

Definition of Responsibility

Responsibility refers to a state of having some authority or obligation to undertake a task satisfactorily which has been assigned by someone who is superior or elder, so as to attain the desired results. It is required to be undertaken as a part of a job or role.

It makes a person answerable or accountable for the completion of the task, or safekeeping of valuables/cash, or protection of a person. Hence, the person who accepts the responsibility has to be ready to bear the consequences, for his/her actions or decisions taken in this regard, which may be positive or negative.

Responsibility often comes with the authority to give directions and take relevant actions when required. When authority is delegated to a person, he/she becomes responsible for its performance and the optimum use of the delegated authority.

It reflects the trust of the person delegating the authority on the person to whom it is delegated, that the task will be completed accordingly.

Key Differences Between Duty and Responsibility

The points given below are substantial so far as the difference between duty and responsibility is concerned:

Duty refers to the legal or moral obligation, or commitment towards certain work, which you are expected to perform, in general, or special circumstances. On the contrary, responsibility refers to the liability that requires fulfilment which is either assumed, voluntarily accepted or promised, by an individual, inherent to his/her job or role.
Duties show a hidden binding force that impels a person to do a certain act, which is regarded as the right thing to do in a particular situation. As against, responsibility brings authority, i.e. the power to take necessary decisions and actions and give proper directions for the successful completion.
Duties exhibits respect, sincerity, of the person towards the work (task), elders and superiors and obedience. Conversely, Responsibility gives birth to accountability, i.e. acceptance of certain responsibility by a person makes him/her accountable for its performance.
Duty requires the sacrifice of self-interest by the person to whom it is ascribed. In contrast, responsibility demands trustworthiness and loyalty, i.e. the person to whom the responsibility of a certain task is given must be trustworthy and loyal to perform the tasks as required.
Duties are imputed on a person, either naturally or out of the role/position he occupies. On the other hand, responsibility is nothing but demanded duties, which are shouldered on a person who is competent and conscientious enough to handle it.

Conclusion

Duty brings responsibility, i.e. when you say it is your duty, it indicates that you ought to do that because you are responsible for that act if it is not done properly, within the reasonable time. It requires allegiance on the part of the concerned individual, for the discharge of duties and responsibilities successfully.