Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation Practice Exam

What is the main accountability of a service owner?

1. Carrying out operational activities to support the service

2. Ownership of a service regardless of its underpinning components

3. Ownership of a service for all the internally managed components of that service

4. Ensuring that the targets contained within a service level agreement are met

The correct answer is: Ownership of a service regardless of its underpinning components

The main accountability of a service owner is centered around the comprehensive ownership of a service, which includes all aspects of that service, irrespective of the underlying components that support it. This means that a service owner is responsible for the overall lifecycle of the service, from its conception, design, and transition through to its ongoing operation and eventual retirement. Being accountable for a service entails not just the management of the technical components or the performance of operational activities, but also ensuring that the service meets the strategic needs of the organization and the expectations of the customers. This holistic view allows service owners to make informed decisions regarding service improvements, resource allocation, and aligning the service with business objectives. In this context, the other options don't fully encapsulate the breadth of responsibility that falls to the service owner. While an emphasis on operational activities, service levels, or specific internal components is important, these elements are just parts of the bigger picture that the service owner oversees. The role is fundamentally about the stewardship and governance of the entire service itself.