Is accepting the definition of "Done" the responsibility of the Product Owner alone?

The definition of "Done" is a collaborative effort primarily involving the Development Team. It is crucial for the Development Team to define what it means for work to be considered complete, as they are the ones who will ultimately deliver the increments of the product. This definition includes evolving criteria such as coding standards, quality assurance processes, and necessary documentation, ensuring that all work meets a shared standard of quality.

While the Product Owner plays an essential role in providing a vision for the product and prioritizing features based on customer needs, they do not unilaterally define the criteria for the work. The Development Team must understand and agree upon this definition because it directly influences their work and the quality of the increments they produce. The collaborative nature of Scrum emphasizes that while the Product Owner and other roles are integral to the process, aspects such as the definition of "Done" are best developed through teamwork, ensuring buy-in and shared understanding among those responsible for delivering the product increments.