What principle implies that authority delegated must include appropriate responsibility?

The principle that implies authority delegated must include appropriate responsibility is the concept of delegation of authority. This principle is foundational in organizational management, as it establishes that when an individual or leader assigns tasks to subordinates, they must also empower them with the necessary authority to fulfill those responsibilities. This ensures that the individuals responsible for completing a task have the means to make decisions and take action.

By encompassing both authority and responsibility, this principle promotes accountability within the organization. When employees know they have been given both the authority to act and the responsibility to achieve specific outcomes, it enhances their ability to perform effectively and fosters a sense of ownership over their work. This alignment is crucial in law enforcement agencies, where clear roles and responsibilities can directly impact operational success and public safety.

In contrast, other principles mentioned do not directly address the relationship between authority and responsibility. For instance, line authority and change of command focus on the hierarchical framework within an organization, while the span of control concerns the number of subordinates a supervisor can effectively manage. Unity of command refers to the concept that an employee should report to one supervisor to avoid confusion. These concepts are important, but they do not specifically address the necessary pairing of delegated authority with corresponding responsibility, which is central to effective delegation.