A job description primarily specifies the decision rights assigned to that person.

A job description primarily specifies the decision rights assigned to that person.

• A. Duties and responsibilities
• B. Decision rights
• C. Reporting relationships
• D. Compensation level

Answer: (B)

The main concept tested is who has the authority to make decisions within a role—the decision rights. A job description focuses on defining what decisions the person is empowered to make, what requires escalation, and what boundaries or limits apply. This clarity helps prevent ambiguity, ensures accountability, and aligns the role with the organization’s structure and controls. For example, a role might specify that purchases up to a certain limit can be approved by the holder, while larger transactions require manager approval; that kind of language directly outlines the decision rights. Duties and responsibilities describe what tasks the person will perform, not who has authority over decisions. Reporting relationships outline who the role reports to and who reports to the role, which relates to structure, not necessarily the scope of decision-making power. Compensation level concerns pay and rewards, not the authority to make decisions.

The main concept tested is who has the authority to make decisions within a role—the decision rights. A job description focuses on defining what decisions the person is empowered to make, what requires escalation, and what boundaries or limits apply. This clarity helps prevent ambiguity, ensures accountability, and aligns the role with the organization’s structure and controls. For example, a role might specify that purchases up to a certain limit can be approved by the holder, while larger transactions require manager approval; that kind of language directly outlines the decision rights.

Duties and responsibilities describe what tasks the person will perform, not who has authority over decisions. Reporting relationships outline who the role reports to and who reports to the role, which relates to structure, not necessarily the scope of decision-making power. Compensation level concerns pay and rewards, not the authority to make decisions.