A manager alone cannot perform all the tasks assigned to him. In order to meet the targets, the manager should delegate authority. Delegation of Authority means division of authority and powers downwards to the subordinate. Delegation is about entrusting someone else to do parts of your job. Delegation of authority can be defined as subdivision and sub-allocation of powers to the subordinates in order to achieve effective results.Delegation is the assignment of authority and responsibility to another person to carry out specific activities. Delegation is normally from a manager to a subordinate. However the person who delegated the work remains accountable for the outcome of the delegate work. It allows a subordinate to make decisions, i.e. it is a shift of decision-making authority from one organizational level to a lower one.
The
process of delegation has to go through the following steps :
Assignment
of responsibilities :This
is the most crucial step that trigger delegation. In this step the
superior authority list out the responsibilities to be assigned to the
subordinate by answering the questions with reliable reasons:• What to
delegate?• When to delegate?• Whom to delegate? and• How to delegate?
Granting
of Authority :Mere assigning of
responsibilities alone cannot ensure execution of such responsibilities
by the subordinate. For smooth execution of the assigned
responsibilities, the subordinate would requireauthority. Therefore assigning
of responsibility and granting of authority should go together to the
subordinate.
Ensuring of Accountability :Delegation of Authority does not become complete with assigning of responsibilities and granting of authority. The superior is required to build accountability on the part of the subordinate to ensure thatassigned responsibilities are carried out and delegated authority is used judiciously. This part should be taken care of in the M&E plan and also through regular and effective performance appraisal.