DELEGATION

OF
AUTHORITY
MADE BY : DAKSH SAHU
 DEFINITIO
NS
Before discussing anything about delegation of authority we
must know the meaning of the words ‘Delegation’ and
‘Authority’.
Delegation: According to Theo Haimann, delegation can be
defined as granting of authority to subordinate who operates
within the prescribed limits.
Authority: It is needed to discharge a given responsibility. It is
sum of powers and rights of an individual to command his/her
subordinate to use all the resources required and take actions
within the limit.
 DELEGATION
Delegation is based on the principle of the ‘division of the work’.
The authority is transferred in the downward direction.
It is done for improving the efficiency of the managers as every
person had a limit to do work and delegation comes as a rescue.
 It helps the manager to focus on the high priority work helping
them to extend the areas of operations they are working on.
Also helps the employees to get the sense of belonginess
among the firm.
Subordinates get the benefit of recognition and get the
opportunities to do work.
However, the manager who has delegated the authority will
still be accountable for the work.
 There are 3 elements of delegation:
1) Authority
2) Responsibility
3) Accountability
 Delegation is the entrustment of responsibility and authority to
another and creation of accountability for performance.
 AUTHORITY: One of the essential elements of delegation is the
authority which is the power to complete an assigned task. Without
authority a subordinate is unable to execute task perfectly. Suitable
amount of authority is needed to be given to the subordinate to
perform the task perfectly.
RESPONSIBILTY: It is the obligation of subordinate to carry out
the assigned activities to best of their relationship because the
subordinate is bound to perform the duty assigned by superior.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Once authority is delegated,
responsiblilty is accepted. One cannot deny accountability. In
simple words, it means answerable for the outcome.
 PRINCIPLES OF DELEGATION
 DELEGATION DOES NOT MEAN ABDICATION
The manager shall still be accountable for the performance of the task.
He cannot escape the responsibility for any default on the part of
subordinate.
This is known as the PRINCIPLE OF ABSOLUTENESS OF
ACCOUNTABILITY.

Authority can be delegated but responsibility and accountability cannot.

 AUTHORITY GRANTED MUST BE EQUAL TO THE
RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED

If the authority is more than the responsibility, it may lead to a misuse of

authority and if responsibility is more than the authority it makes the
employee ineffective.
Thus, there must be PARITY between ‘AUTHORITY AND
RESPONSIBILITY’.
THE AUTHORITY GRANTED TO A SUBORDINATE CAN BE
TAKEN BACK AND REDELEGATED TO ANOTHER PERSON

If the employee takes the work for granted or is not able to perform
according to the standards the authority granted to the employee will
be taken back by the manager and be again delegated to another
employee who the manager trusts on getting the targets completed.
 IMPORTANCE OF DELEGATION
 CREATION OF MANAGEMENT HEIRARCHY:
Delegation creates superior- subordinate relationship which results into
hierarchy of management. The extent of authority decides the power
which each job position enjoys.
 EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT:
By passing on the routine jobs to subordinates, the manager is able to
concentrate on important matter which results into effectiveness of
management.
 MOTIVATION OF EMPLOYEES:
Delegation grants authority to su
 MOTIVATION OF EMPLOYEES:
Delegation grants authority to subordinates. This brings a feeling of
recognition which in turn motivates the employees.
 EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT:
Delegation gives opportunity to employees to use their talent. It
allows them to develop the necessary skills to perform the difficult
tasks. It makes them better leaders and decision makers.
 FACILITATES GROWTH:
It helps in expansion of an organization by providing them trained and
experienced people.
 BETTER COORDINATION:
Delegation defines powers, duties and answerability related to various
positions in the organization. Reporting relationships help in maintaining
coordination in the organization.

IF WE DELEGATE, WE MULTIPLY BY TWO AND IF

WE DECENTRALIZE, WE MULTIPLY BY MANY.