Responsible position

A responsible position is a post where the individual is expected to work without supervision or a higher authority, usually for a political purpose or a civil service position. Whether a particular position is a responsible position or "least difficult" is not a dichotomy, but rather "relative" and a continuum. ^[1]

This is in contrast to a job or police/military post, where there is a superior officer to answer to and who holds the right to direct work. For example, a shop steward and a member of parliament are in responsible positions; the former is responsible to the workers, the latter to the electorate.

Working in a responsible position may be unpaid, or if there is some compensation, it may not be considered a taxable salary. For example, the compensation of an MP is tax-free.^{[ citation needed ]}

The related term position of trust refers to any kind of position, whether supervisory or not.

See also

• Dress code
• Hierarchy
• Peter principle

References

1. Training Course in the Basic Principles and Techniques of Position Classification. United States Civil Service Commission. Bureau of Programs and Standards. Pay Systems Section. 1959. p. 10. Retrieved July 12, 2025.