In the context of management, accountability refers to what?

Accountability in management fundamentally refers to the obligation of individuals or teams to report on their activities and justify their outcomes. This means that when a manager or employee is accountable, they must take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and the results of those actions. They are expected to explain how they achieved certain results, whether positive or negative, and address any discrepancies or failures. This concept is critical in ensuring that there is transparency and responsibility within an organization, fostering trust and integrity in operations.

The other options don't fully encapsulate the essence of accountability. The ability to make decisions, while a vital managerial skill, does not specifically imply accountability. Similarly, the transfer of authority to subordinates, often referred to as delegation, is about empowering others but doesn't inherently involve holding them accountable. Finally, the process of meeting goals is essential for organizational success, but it lacks the element of justification associated with accountability. Hence, the focus on reporting and justification makes the second option the correct definition of accountability in a management context.