DELEGATION

DEFINITION
Delegation is defined as “the transfer of responsibility for the performance of a task from one
person to another”
Eg: Delegation of power by higher officials to lower officials.

ELEMENTS OF DELEGATION

• ASSIGNMENT OF TASKS OR DUTIES

In the process of delegation, the delegator assigns the duties
He decides what work the subordinate is required to do

• GRANTING OF AUTHORITY
It is the second step of delegation
Granting of authority refers to benefits of rights to the subordinates to use the necessary
resources to carry out the tasks assigned

• CREATION OF AN OBLIGATION (RESPONSIBILITY)

The delegation creates an obligation .i.e., the subordinate takes on an obligation to his boss
to complete the job
It is the obligation of the subordinates to satisfy his superior that he performed his duties
wisely according to the best of his abilities

ADVANTAGES OF DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

• Delegation of authority reduces the burden of work of the executives
• Delegation brings co-ordination
• Delegation provides opportunity for the development and training of young executives
• It encourages opportunities for division of labour
• Delegation prompts quick decision making

FIVE RIGHTS OF DELEGATION

✓ The right task
✓ The right circumstance,
✓ The right person
✓ The right direction/communication
✓ The right supervision

PRINCIPLES OF DELEGATION
• Determine what you will delegate. Effective delegation begins with defining your
responsibilities
• Choose the right person to delegate the task to
 • Clarify the desired results.
• Clearly define the employee's responsibility and authority as it relates to the delegated task.
• Establish a follow up meeting or touch points.

OBSTACLES OR DIFFICULTIES IN DELEGATION

❖ ON THE PART OF THE BOSS OR SUPERVISOR

✓ FEELING ON THE PART OF THE BOSS THAT HE CAN DO BETTER

Some executives tend to think that they can perform the job in a much better way than the
other employees.
✓ INABILITY OF THE BOSS
Another obstacle in the way of delegation of authority is inability on the part of the boss or
executive to identify and communicate the essential features of his plans.
✓ LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE ABILITY OF THE SUBORDINATES
If the boss has little or no confidence in the ability of the subordinates then he may hesitate in
delegating the authority to his subordinates.
❖ ON THE PART OF SUBORDINATES

✓ FEAR OF CRITICISM
Sometimes, the subordinates for even small mistake of his would go in for uncharitable
criticism, he would avoid accepting the authority even though the supervisor is prepared to
delegate authority to him.

✓ DEPENDANCE ON THE SUPERIOR FOR DECISIONS

If a subordinate finds it easier to ask the boss for taking decisions while tackling problems he
may be reluctant in accepting authority even though the boss may be prepared to
delegate it.
✓ FEAR OF FAILURE
The fear of failure demotivates the subordinates to accept the authority even though the boss
may be ready to delegate the authority
This usually happens to those subordinates who have low self confidence

METHODS OF REMOVING THE OBSTACLES

• Strong and well defined organization should be present
• Clear and definite goals should be established
• Proper incentives in the form of increased wages, promotion
• Delegation is a difficult process and can be simplified by providing training to the
subordinate in accepting delegation.