In Scrum, teams are self-managed. This means they decide how to work, who does what, and when. However, accountability still exists. Product Owners (POs) and Scrum Masters (SMs) are expected to deliver results and ensure the team’s success. But here’s the big question: how can someone be held accountable if they don’t have the power to make decisions or take action?
This blog explores the balance between leadership, authority, and control in Scrum. We’ll see how both Scrum Masters and Product Owners need more than just influence, they need the authority to act when needed.
Accountability Without Authority: A Real Problem
Imagine being told you are responsible for making a project successful, but you’re not allowed to change how things are done or challenge poor practices. That’s what happens when accountability is given without authority.
In many organizations, Scrum Masters are expected to guide the team and remove blockers, but they are not given the power to enforce the Scrum rules or challenge organizational barriers. Product Owners face similar issues when they are responsible for maximizing value but can’t prioritize or push back against stakeholders.
This gap between responsibility and authority creates frustration. It also slows down progress and weakens agility.
Leadership, Authority, and Accountability in Scrum
Scrum Masters and Product Owners are both leaders in their own ways. A Product Owner leads by deciding what to build next, setting priorities, and maximizing value. A Scrum Master leads by ensuring the team follows the Scrum framework, removes obstacles, and continuously improves.
They don’t lead by controlling everything but by creating clarity, direction, and a safe space for the team to work well. However, leadership based only on influence doesn’t always work. Sometimes, more direct authority is needed.
For example, a Scrum Master must be able to:
- Ensure all Scrum events (Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, etc.) happen as expected.
- Challenge the team if they skip retrospectives or stop improving.
- Raise issues when management behavior slows the team down.
- Without this ability to act, their accountability becomes just a title, not a function.
Why the Context Matters?
Product Owners often have more recognized authority, as they handle the product backlog and stakeholder communication. Scrum Masters, on the other hand, are sometimes seen only as facilitators. This limits their ability to drive change.
According to the Scrum Guide, teams are self-managing, but this doesn’t mean there are no rules or structure. Self-management works best when there’s clarity and when everyone is aligned on goals, timelines, and responsibilities.
In a command-heavy organization, giving too much control to Scrum Masters may limit the team’s freedom. But in a very loose setup with no structure, the lack of control creates confusion. That’s why the Scrum Master needs to strike a balance, using influence most of the time, but stepping in with authority when the team’s success is at risk.
The Right Type of Authority
Authority doesn’t mean controlling people. It means ensuring the Scrum rules are respected and helping the team deliver better. Good Scrum Masters know when to guide and when to intervene.
Some believe that managers can also be Scrum Masters. This can work—if the manager understands servant leadership, helps remove blockers, and doesn’t micromanage. Others say Scrum Masters should have no authority, just influence. That might be fine in a highly Agile organization, but in most real-world setups, Scrum Masters need some power to act.
The key is situational leadership, understanding when to coach and when to lead more directly. The best Scrum Masters understand their teams and the organization and adjust their approach accordingly.
Practical Needs in Real Scrum Teams
For Scrum Masters to be effective, they must have the authority to:
- Make sure the Scrum framework is being followed.
- Raise concerns about poor practices and anti-patterns.
- Push back on unrealistic timelines or technical shortcuts.
- Escalate unresolved organizational issues.
- Help teams focus on continuous improvement.
Without this authority, teams may lose direction, skip important feedback loops, and fail to grow.
Accountability without authority doesn’t work. Scrum Masters and Product Owners must be trusted with enough decision-making power to support the team and fulfill their roles.
At the same time, they must also respect team autonomy and avoid micromanagement. True agility comes when influence is supported by the right level of authority—used only when needed, and always with the goal of enabling the team.
Whether you’re an aspiring Scrum Master or a Product Owner, it’s important to understand this balance. And if you’re looking to grow in your Agile journey, getting proper training from the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad or the top Scrum training institute in India can help. Platforms like HelloSM are known as the best training institute for Scrum in India, offering hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Scrum Master be effective with only influence and no authority?
In highly Agile, mature teams, yes. But in most organizations, some authority is needed to uphold Scrum practices and remove impediments.
Should Scrum Masters have the authority to make team decisions?
No, they should not control the team. But they must have the authority to enforce the Scrum framework and escalate issues when necessary.
Can a manager be a good Scrum Master?
Yes, if they practice servant leadership and don’t use control to micromanage. It works best when the manager respects team autonomy.
Why do Product Owners have more authority than Scrum Masters?
Product Owners manage the product backlog and value delivery, which naturally gives them more decision-making power. However, both roles need enough authority to fulfill their responsibilities.
Where can I learn more about becoming a Scrum Master?
You can join HelloSM, the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad and one of the top Scrum training institutes in India, to learn Scrum practically with real-time examples and expert coaching.