Introduction
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 Author to subordinates. The authority varies from employee to employee based on the job assigned to them.
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.
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.
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.
Step 7:
The last step in the process of delegation of authority is to control the employees by maintaining proper appraisals for the performance.
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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. 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, 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.
FAQs on Delegation of Authority: Meaning and Importance
1. What are the important points related to the delegation of authority?
The delegation of authority characteristics are an important part of the concept that can describe it fully to its capacity. Here are some of them:
The superior must not delegate the authority fully.
The delegation of authority is what is done by the manager or any higher level employees and to the subordinates.
It can contribute towards the growth of the organization.
An organization can achieve many of its goals.
It includes a subordinate's accountability and controllability.
2. What are the limitations of delegation of authority?
Besides the several advantages, the delegation of authority has some limitations as a second side of the coin. Those are -
In some cases, it results in a lack of knowledge which affects the efficiency of the product.
The dedication of authority cannot maintain trust all the time.
Some employees don't show interest to take up the authority or to report to the superiors.
Some superiors may not provide the required authority. They want to dominate their subordinates.
The skills of the employee and the job assigned may mismatch with the failure of the manager.
Lack of coordination and motivation also affects the delegation of authority.
3. What factors affect the delegation of authority?
As we talk about delegation of authority, we all know that it is a process. There are many aspects involved in it such as sharing work, to assigning various tasks to the subordinates. It not only builds the morale of the subordinates but also readies them for any of the challenges ahead. This is also the best way to get the work done faster as well as in a more efficient manner. Here are several factors that can be reason enough to influence delegation of authority. These are:
Subordinates must show willingness to work and learn more.
The manager should have the appropriate attitude to decide the way of delegating tasks.
Both the parties, subordinates and the superior must have a friendly relationship so they can ensure smooth transfer of authority.
Quantum of work is a major factor
The subordinates must be confident, knowledgeable in a relevant manner, and responsible enough to pass on the authority.
4. Can a superior delegate the tasks to their subordinates right away?
No, a superior cannot delegate all of their tasks to their subordinates right away. The whole procedure of delegation of authority takes time and it is actually one that can be a good thing for the individuals involved as well as for the organization. It is the responsibility of the higher level employees to get their subordinates ready for the role or prepare them for the same. This way they can hand over the tasks at a slow pace and trust the subordinates as well for the completion of such tasks.
5. Is there a specific way in which delegation of authority is done?
No, there is not really a specific way of delegating authority. In fact, there are many multiple ways in which it works. Here are the types that depend on various factors depending upon the type of organization:
General or specific delegation can be done in which one has to work as per the assigned job.
A superior can give authority to their subordinates formally or informally.
Some organizations have delegation of authority based on the hierarchy that persists there.
There are times when there is a major requirement of people coming together as a team and working on the project(s) in parallel
6. What are the characteristics of delegation of authority?
The characteristics of the delegation of authority can describe it and enhance its importance. Some of them are,
The authority should not be dedicated entirely.
the delegation of authority can be done by the Superior or a manager or high-level employees to the subordinates.
It always strives for the growth of the organization.
It can be done for achieving the objectives of the company.
It involves accountability and controllability.
7. Explain the factors which influence the delegation of authority.
The delegation of authority is a process that involves assigning our sharing work and authority between the spirits and subordinates to achieve the ultimate goal of the organization further they divide into small goals, and two SUVs go, the work is to be delegated. Why delegating work, we have several factors that influence authority. They are as follows-
Subordinates need to be willful.
The attitude of the manager.
Both the subordinates and Superior have a friendly relationship rather than dominant desires.
Quantum of Work
Confidence, knowledge, responsibility in Subordinates.
