Divides Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“Divide responsibility and nobody is responsible.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Out of the Crisis, 1982
When duties are split, accountability disappears, leading to neglect.
In simple terms: Shared responsibility can erase accountability.
Key Takeaway
Ensure clear ownership of tasks.
Themes
management
accountability
organizational design
leadership
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
business
leadership
When to use this quote
- team projects
- corporate governance
- public administration
Key Concepts
delegation
responsibility
systems thinking
process clarity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance delegation with accountability?
- What structures enforce responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Over‑delegation can cause confusion.
![“[In science any model depends on a pre-chosen taxonomy] a set of classifications into which we divide the enormous complexity of the real world... Land, labor, and capital are extremely heterogeneous aggregates, not much better than earth, air, fire, and water.” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47e/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_air_in-science-any-model-depends-on-a-pre-ch_12383.jpg)
