Delegation
From Free net encyclopedia
Template:Otheruses1 Template:Wikify-date
Delegation is the handing of a task over to another person, usually a subordinate. It is the assignment of authority and responsibility to another person to carry out specific activities. 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. Delegation, if properly done, is not abdication. Ultimate responsibility cannot be delegated.
[edit]
Factors affecting the need to delegate
- Size of organisation
- The delegator has more demanding tasks to complete
- Importance of the duty or decision
- Task complexity
- Organisational culture
- Qualities of subordinates
- Training of subordinates
[edit]
Making delegation effective
- Clarify the assignment
- Give clear, unambiguous instructions
- Ensure the subordinate has the necessary skills
- Specify the subordinate's range of discretion (authority should be commensurate with responsibility)
- Allow the subordinate to participate
- Monitor progress in good time to allow remedial action to be taken if necessary.
- Give feedback
Barriers to Delegation :
- Managers think that they themselves are fit for the task and don't want to delegate.
- Managers fear regarding responsibility if the delegated task is not carried out as expected by the superiors.
- Traditional thinking on behalf of the manager. Delegation is an explicit act of organizational change. Effective delegation means the manager must be able to imagine a different future, and be able to work towards it.
- Managers want to take all the credit of the task themselves.
The opposite of effective delegation is micromanagement, where a manager provides too much input, direction and review of 'delegated' work.
[edit]
