Roles, responsibility & decision rights · Core
Subject-matter expert
Also called: SME
ELI5
A person with deep knowledge in a defined field.
Used in conversation
“Who is accountable for subject-matter expert, and who is affected by it?”
Pitch context
You will see “Subject-matter expert” in organisation plans, workforce reviews, change programmes and people reports when the discussion reaches roles, responsibility & decision rights.
Why it matters: In roles, responsibility & decision rights, the definition can change who is affected, accountable, protected or entitled to act.
Caution
Employment law and workplace practice vary by jurisdiction and agreement.
Connected terms
- SMEThe search label “SME” can route to both entries.
- Small businessThe search label “SME” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 2
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16