DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
Delegation is a process which enables a person to assign a work to others with adequate
authority to do it. The authority can be delegated but not the responsibility. Delegation of authority is
considered to be one of the most important methods of training subordinates and building morals. It is
acknowledged that delegation of authority is one of the surerest and best methods of getting better
results.
PRINCIPLES OF DELEGATION
The following are the important principles of delegation.
1. Delegation to go by results: The superiors should clearly know what he expects from the
subordinates before delegation of authority. It should be noted that the objective of the
organization are to be accomplished in time.
2. Non-delegation of responsibility: Assigning duties does not mean delegation of responsibilities.
A superior can delegate authority but not responsibility.
3. Parity of authority and responsibility: Responsibility without authority will make a person an
inefficient one. So there should be a proper balance between authority and responsibility.
4. Unity of command: A subordinate should be assigned duties and responsibilities only by one
superior and he is accountable only to the concerned superior.
5. Definition of limitation of authority: There should be a written manual which help a person to
understand the authority in right direction.
STEPS IN SUCCESSFUL DELEGATION PROCESS
The following steps will help the successful delegation of authority.
1. Deciding the goals to be achieved: The purpose of delegation is to enable efficient
accomplishment of organizational objectives. If it is not clearly defined, the subordinate may
hesitate to accept the authority.
2. Establishment of definite responsibility: The authority and responsibility of each subordinate
should be clear in terms. It helps to avoid duplication of authority.
3. Determining what to delegate: This will necessitate the evaluation of the capacity of the
individual and needs of the organization.
4. Training: Subordinate should be properly trained in handling delegated work.
5. Control system: There should be a suitable control system to keep a careful watch over the
performance of the subordinates.
TYPES OF DELEGATION
A brief explanation of the different types of delegation is given below:
1. General delegation: It means granting authority to the subordinate to perform various
managerial functions and exercise control over them.
2. Specific delegation: Here, orders or instructions are delegated to a particular person specifically.
3. Written delegation: When authority is delegated in written words it is known as written
delegation.
Delegation is a process which enables a person to assign a work to others with adequate
authority to do it. The authority can be delegated but not the responsibility. Delegation of authority is
considered to be one of the most important methods of training subordinates and building morals. It is
acknowledged that delegation of authority is one of the surerest and best methods of getting better
results.
PRINCIPLES OF DELEGATION
The following are the important principles of delegation.
1. Delegation to go by results: The superiors should clearly know what he expects from the
subordinates before delegation of authority. It should be noted that the objective of the
organization are to be accomplished in time.
2. Non-delegation of responsibility: Assigning duties does not mean delegation of responsibilities.
A superior can delegate authority but not responsibility.
3. Parity of authority and responsibility: Responsibility without authority will make a person an
inefficient one. So there should be a proper balance between authority and responsibility.
4. Unity of command: A subordinate should be assigned duties and responsibilities only by one
superior and he is accountable only to the concerned superior.
5. Definition of limitation of authority: There should be a written manual which help a person to
understand the authority in right direction.
STEPS IN SUCCESSFUL DELEGATION PROCESS
The following steps will help the successful delegation of authority.
1. Deciding the goals to be achieved: The purpose of delegation is to enable efficient
accomplishment of organizational objectives. If it is not clearly defined, the subordinate may
hesitate to accept the authority.
2. Establishment of definite responsibility: The authority and responsibility of each subordinate
should be clear in terms. It helps to avoid duplication of authority.
3. Determining what to delegate: This will necessitate the evaluation of the capacity of the
individual and needs of the organization.
4. Training: Subordinate should be properly trained in handling delegated work.
5. Control system: There should be a suitable control system to keep a careful watch over the
performance of the subordinates.
TYPES OF DELEGATION
A brief explanation of the different types of delegation is given below:
1. General delegation: It means granting authority to the subordinate to perform various
managerial functions and exercise control over them.
2. Specific delegation: Here, orders or instructions are delegated to a particular person specifically.
3. Written delegation: When authority is delegated in written words it is known as written
delegation.
