---
title: Why is it helpful to think of the Product Owner as accountable for the ‘what’?
description: "Thinking of the [Product Owner](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/product-owner/) as accountable for the 'what' can simplify the understanding of their role. The [Product Owner](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/product-owner/) decides what product is developed by the [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/), setting the direction and priorities for the team's work. This accountability…"
url: "https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/docs/why-is-it-helpful-to-think-of-the-product-owner-as-accountable-for-the-what/"
updated: "2024-12-19"
category: Accountabilities / Product Owner
---

# Why is it helpful to think of the Product Owner as accountable for the ‘what’?

Thinking of the [Product Owner](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/product-owner/) as accountable for the 'what' can simplify the understanding of their role. The [Product Owner](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/product-owner/) decides what product is developed by the [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/), setting the direction and priorities for the team's work. This accountability ensures that the [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/) focuses on delivering features and improvements that provide the most [Value](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/value/).

By clearly distinguishing the [Product Owner](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/product-owner/)'s responsibility for the 'what' from the Developers' responsibility for the 'how', the roles within the [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/) become more defined. This distinction allows the [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/) to work more effectively, with the [Product Owner](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/product-owner/) focusing on strategic decisions and the Developers concentrating on the technical implementation. This clear division of responsibilities helps in achieving better outcomes and a more efficient Scrum process.