What term describes the obligation to be responsible to someone for something?

The term that best describes the obligation to be responsible to someone for something is "accountability." This concept emphasizes the need for individuals or organizations to report, explain, and be answerable for the consequences of their actions. In a business context, accountability ensures that team members understand their roles and are held responsible for the outcomes of their work. When someone is accountable, they are expected to take ownership of their decisions, actions, and the resulting effects on others or the business itself. This fosters a culture of transparency and trust within teams and organizations, as it clarifies expectations and promotes a sense of responsibility.

While "responsibility" also relates to being in charge of a task or role, accountability specifically highlights the duty to report and be answerable for that responsibility, making it the more precise term in this context. Other terms like "integrity" and "trustworthiness" pertain to moral principles and reliability but do not directly address the specific obligation of being answerable for one's actions.