Buck passing refers to the act of shifting responsibility or blame to someone else. Some common synonyms for the term are passing the buck, blame-shifting, finger-pointing, or deflecting. All of these phrases refer to the same tactic of avoiding responsibility by shifting it to someone else. In a professional setting, this behavior can create a toxic work environment and impede progress. It is important to recognize buck passing and hold individuals accountable for their actions. By fostering an environment of accountability, it encourages individuals to take ownership of their mistakes and work collaboratively towards solutions.