Responsibility vs. Remit — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Responsibility refers to the duty to handle something or accountability for actions, whereas remit denotes the scope of authority or duties assigned to a person or group.
Difference Between Responsibility and Remit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Responsibility implies an obligation to perform certain tasks or duties and often includes being accountable for the outcomes. On the other hand, remit specifically defines the boundaries or extent of activities that a person or organization is supposed to undertake.
In terms of organizational roles, an individual's responsibility might include a variety of tasks they need to manage effectively. Whereas, their remit outlines the specific areas or issues they are empowered to address, limiting their focus to designated subjects.
When mistakes occur, a person's responsibility may lead to facing consequences or needing to provide explanations. Conversely, the remit determines whether the issue was within their scope of authority to address or make decisions on.
Responsibility often requires personal or ethical judgment to navigate complex situations effectively. In contrast, remit is typically defined by external criteria or job descriptions, setting clear limits to what one can or cannot do.
The development of skills and knowledge can expand a person's responsibility in their role due to increased capability. However, changes to a person's remit usually require formal adjustments in policy or directives from higher authorities.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Duty to handle something; accountability.
Scope of authority or assigned duties.
Scope
Can be broad or specific.
Defined and often limited.
Dependency
On personal or organizational roles.
On official assignments or mandates.
Consequences
Involves facing outcomes of actions.
Bound by authority limits.
Changes in Scope
Often due to personal growth.
Typically requires formal adjustment.
Compare with Definitions
Responsibility
A charge, care, or duty toward others.
Teachers bear the responsibility of educating their students.
Remit
To send money, as payment or gift.
He remitted the fee for his subscription online.
Responsibility
The obligation to manage or oversee tasks.
His responsibility at work involves managing the team's project.
Remit
The assigned scope of duties or authority.
The committee's remit was to oversee the new policy implementation.
Responsibility
The state of being reliable or dependable.
His responsibility made him a key player in the company.
Remit
A directive or order, especially in legal or formal context.
The document clearly states the remit of the board.
Responsibility
A moral or legal duty.
Drivers have the responsibility to follow traffic laws.
Remit
To pardon or forgive.
The judge remitted the remaining sentence based on good behavior.
Responsibility
Accountability for one's actions or decisions.
She took responsibility for the mistake and corrected it.
Remit
An area of influence or activity.
Environmental regulation falls within their remit.
Responsibility
The state, quality, or fact of being responsible.
Remit
To transmit (money) in payment.
Responsibility
A duty or obligation that one is responsible for.
Remit
To refrain from exacting (a tax or penalty, for example); cancel.
Responsibility
An expense, debt, or financial burden that one must pay.
Remit
To pardon; forgive
Remitted their sins.
Responsibility
The amount of such expense, debt, or financial burden.
Remit
To restore to a former condition or position.
Responsibility
The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable. 18
Responsibility is a heavy burden.
Remit
To refer (a case) to another court for further consideration or action.
Responsibility
The state of being liable, culpable, or responsible for something in particular.
Remit
To refer (a matter) to a committee or authority for decision.
Responsibility
A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable.
Why didn't you clean the house? That was your responsibility!
Remit
To allow to slacken
The storm remitted its fury.
Responsibility
(military) 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.
Remit
To transmit money.
Responsibility
(military) The obligation for the proper custody, care, and safekeeping of property or funds entrusted to the possession or supervision of an individual.
Remit
To diminish; abate
The symptoms of the disease remitted.
Responsibility
The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable, as for a trust, debt, or obligation.
Remit
A matter remitted for further consideration.
Responsibility
That for which anyone is responsible or accountable; as, the resonsibilities of power.
Remit
Chiefly British An area of responsibility; scope.
Responsibility
Ability to answer in payment; means of paying.
Remit
To send back; to give up; to surrender; to resign.
In the case the law remits him to his ancient and more certain right.
In grevious and inhuman crimes, offenders should be remitted to their prince.
The prisoner was remitted to the guard.
Responsibility
The social force that binds you to your obligations and the courses of action demanded by that force;
We must instill a sense of duty in our children
Every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty
Remit
To restore.
The archbishop was . . . remitted to his liberty.
Responsibility
The proper sphere or extent of your activities;
It was his province to take care of himself
Remit
To transmit or send, esp. to a distance, as money in payment of a demand, account, draft, etc.; as, he remitted the amount by mail.
Responsibility
A form of trustworthiness; the trait of being answerable to someone for something or being responsible for one's conduct;
He holds a position of great responsibility
Remit
To send off or away; hence: (a) To refer or direct (one) for information, guidance, help, etc. "Remitting them . . . to the works of Galen." Sir T. Elyot. (b) To submit, refer, or leave (something) for judgment or decision.
Remit
To relax in intensity; to make less violent; to abate.
So willingly doth God remit his ire.
Remit
To forgive; to pardon; to remove.
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them.
Remit
To refrain from exacting or enforcing; as, to remit the performance of an obligation.
Remit
To abate in force or in violence; to grow less intense; to become moderated; to abate; to relax; as, a fever remits; the severity of the weather remits.
Remit
To send money, as in payment.
Remit
(law) the act of remitting (especially the referral of a law case to another court)
Remit
Send (money) in payment;
Remit $25
Remit
Hold back to a later time;
Let's postpone the exam
Remit
Release from (claims, debts, or taxes);
The texes were remitted
Remit
Refer (a matter or legal case) to another committe or authority or court for decision
Remit
Forgive;
God will remit their sins
Remit
Make slack as by lessening tension or firmness
Remit
Diminish or abate;
The pain finally remitted
Common Curiosities
Can someone's remit include multiple responsibilities?
Yes, a remit can encompass multiple specific responsibilities within its scope.
Is responsibility associated with ethical implications?
Yes, responsibility often carries ethical implications as it involves accountability and duty.
How does one determine their remit in a job role?
Remit is usually outlined in job descriptions or assigned by superiors.
What roles typically have clearly defined remits?
Roles such as project managers, department heads, and committee members often have clearly defined remits to guide their activities.
What is the difference between responsibility and remit?
Responsibility refers to duties and accountability, while remit is about the extent or scope of authority.
What happens if someone acts outside their remit?
Acting outside one’s remit can lead to disciplinary actions or lack of recognition for the efforts.
Can responsibilities change without a change in remit?
Yes, responsibilities can evolve with changes in job performance or increased experience, even if the remit remains the same.
Can remit and responsibility overlap in a role?
Yes, there is often overlap where the remit sets the scope within which various responsibilities are to be executed.
How does understanding one’s remit enhance job performance?
Understanding one’s remit can lead to focused efforts and better compliance with organizational expectations, enhancing overall job performance.
Who sets the remit for a role or project?
Typically, upper management or organizational leaders set the remit for specific roles or projects.
What are examples of professional responsibilities?
Examples include meeting project deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
What is the difference between a job description and a remit?
A job description often includes a remit as well as other details like job responsibilities, required qualifications, and reporting relationships.
Is it possible to delegate one’s remit?
Typically, a remit cannot be delegated unless accompanied by formal authority transfer, unlike responsibilities, which can be delegated more freely.
How do responsibilities impact a team's dynamics?
Clear responsibilities can improve efficiency and clarity, while unclear responsibilities might lead to confusion and inefficiency.
How should an employee handle tasks outside their remit?
Employees should consult their supervisors to clarify or potentially adjust their remit before handling tasks that appear outside their designated scope.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
