Ansvarsvísed

Ansvarsvísed is a term used in Nordic governance discourse to denote a formal instrument that assigns explicit responsibility for a defined set of duties within an organization. The word combines elements meaning responsibility and indication or assignment, and the concept has appeared in academic discussions and reform debates as a way to clarify lines of accountability.

Typically, an ansvarsvísed is issued by a board, CEO, or senior official and binds the recipient to carry out specified tasks and to report on outcomes. The document may specify the scope of duties, performance criteria, reporting cadence, permissible delegation, and conditions under which responsibility can be transferred or revoked. It may also include remedies for non-compliance and mechanisms for oversight, such as audits or independent reviews.

In practice, responsibility instruments like ansvarsvísed aim to reduce ambiguity about who is responsible for compliance, risk management, and program delivery, complementing formal job descriptions and governance policies. They are most commonly discussed in contexts of corporate governance, public sector reform, and project handovers, where clear accountability is critical for risk control and efficiency.

Variations exist between jurisdictions. Some approaches integrate ansvarsvísed with internal control frameworks, while others treat it as a transitional tool during organizational change or during the handover of responsibilities between roles. Because it is a relatively new or regionally discussed term, formal legal status for ansvarsvísed is limited, and practice tends to rely on existing contracts, governance policies, and statutory requirements.