Delegation of Authority
When it comes to running a business, or rather an organization, it is a must that you understand all the
aspects that are associated with it. One such aspect is where the tasks run smoothly, without a delay.
This is where one has to take into account all the considerations like many of the things including how
the tasks must be distributed. Now, the tasks have to be done in more of a streamlined manner where
all the people are given responsibilities where they can actually work more efficiently and take the
organization to newer heights.
This can happen by taking the very first steps such as delegation of authority. This is the one task that all
managers must put into practice due to the fact that there is a lot of ground to cover. One can rest
assured by bringing such things into practice that they can have the work done in a more efficient
manner where deadlines can be met pretty easily.
Although there is a phenomenon where one must take the authority of the work given to them, it is also
a must that one challenges their subordinates with new responsibilities. Since running an organization is
not a one person job, so is the case with taking the authority for various things. It is a great thing for
every manager to include their subordinates in the tasks and put them as one in authority.
Elements of Delegation of Authority
Now that you know what delegation of authority is, you must also know that it is not just transfer of
tasks and authority to one's subordinates. However, the meaning seems to be a simple one, there are
many benefits along with a fair share of risks involved. It is the job of a manager that they take into
account the various risk factors along with the trust factor of their subordinates and then delegate the
work accordingly.
Here are the three elements of Delegation of Authority:
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Authority
Accountability
Responsibility
It is worth noting that these three may look like elements, but these are all predominant when it comes
to the functioning of an organization. It has many effects for the organization, which can make or break
it, in a major way.
Process of Delegation of Authority
The Process of Delegation of Authority has seven sequential steps. Each step has its significance and
continuity. So it is important to understand every step then delegate the authority accordingly.
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Step 1:
The first step in the process of delegation of authority is to set the goals for which we are assigning
work to the subordinate.
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Step 2:
After setting up the goals, the manager or the responsible person needs to define the
responsibilities of the employee. This makes the employee learn or understand what he needs to do
and whom he needs to report or take instructions.
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Step 3:
In the process of Delegation of Authority, the third step is more crucial than all other steps. This step
is about defining the Authority to subordinates. The authority varies from employee to employee
based on the job assigned to them.
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Step 4:
The next step is to motivate all the subordinates. The manager is supposed to not only delegate or
assign the work to the support units. He also needs to encourage his employees to work effectively
and fastly by putting all their efforts. The manager also monitors all the day-to-day actions done by
subordinates.
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Step 5:
The process of delegation of authority also has accountability in its steps. The manager needs to
hold accountability regarding his employees. The manager or company should not depend on the
employees.
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Step 6:
In the process of delegation of authority, the manager needs to train his subordinates according to
the job assigned. If a new task is given to the employee in a different language, he needs to train his
subordinate and ask him to learn and develop his skills by working on new tasks.
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Step 7:
The last step in the process of delegation of authority is to control the employees by maintaining
proper appraisals for the performance.
Types of Delegation of Authority
We have four different types of Delegation of authority. Each type of Delegation of authority is based on
different factors.
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They are- General or Specific Delegation. It is based on the job assigned.
Formal or Informal Delegation. It is based on the process of giving authority.
Top to bottom or bottom to top Delegation. It is based on the hierarchy.
Lateral Delegation. It requires a group or team to work in parallel.
These are the various types of Delegation of authority. Hence the delegation of authority is an art of
getting things to be done by the subordinates. It is clear about the meaning of delegation of authority,
elements, and process types of the delegation of authority. It can be seen in every organization, so all
the companies' tasks can be taken as a delegation of authority example.