Personal Responsibility

Personal Responsibility

Abstract

What is personal responsibility? If you ask 20 people this question, you’ll get 20 answers and all the examples they have to back up those answers. The definition that comes close to what I think it means comes from an anonymous post on Ask.com" (2013),”Personal responsibility is doing what is meant to be done and fulfilling the commitments that are already made. It brings positive personal change into a person’s life and also transforms an individual into a more effective person who contributes to a more positive, energetic and dynamic organizational culture. When one fails to be personally responsible, the necessary effort falls to others.”(What Is the Definition of Personal Responsibility?).

Personal Responsibility

To the usual observer, there is no mistaking the responsibilities of a child to that of an adult or the responsibilities of a student in the class room to that of a professional in the work force. The acquiring of personal responsibility as we move forward in life is unavoidable. There are some of us who choose to not accept responsibility and rely on help from others and even luck to get by. Not to say that relaxing now again is wrong. It should be understood that we are not required to be responsible all the time.

According to DE SILVEIRA and HABERMAS (2011) “Adolescence is a passage from dependence to adult responsibility. Alongside identity development, social-cognitive development, and the ability to construct a life story, adolescents become increasingly aware of both their potential responsibility in an expanded sphere of life and of complex, contextual influences on their lives.” (p. 1). For instance, as a student working towards a higher degree, I know that my success falls on my shoulders. Unlike back in high school, there are no teachers to chase students down and give out detention if homework is not turned in. Mom is not there to make sure you’re out the house on time to make it to class. If...