Is it acceptable for the Product Owner to delegate some responsibilities to the Development Team?

The Product Owner plays a crucial role in the Scrum framework, primarily responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the Development Team's work. While the Product Owner cannot delegate overall accountability for the product to anyone, they can delegate specific responsibilities or aspects of the role to the Development Team.

This means that while the Development Team might take on certain tasks, such as detailing backlog items or collaboratively planning sprints, the Product Owner remains accountable for the product vision, refining the product backlog, and ensuring that the team understands customer needs. By retaining accountability, the Product Owner keeps the strategic focus on the product's value while empowering the Development Team to take on some tactical responsibilities.

The other options either misinterpret the delegation dynamics within Scrum or restrict operational flexibility in the team dynamics. By understanding that the Product Owner can delegate tasks while maintaining ultimate accountability, one can appreciate the collaborative nature of Scrum and how it enables teams to function effectively.