Concept Of Delegation Of Authority

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

Delegation is the process of assigning specific works to individuals within the organization and giving them the right to perform those works. Delegation of authority is, of course, one of the most significant concepts in management practices that affects managerial functions. Management is the art of getting things done through others and delegation means getting things done through the subordinates.


The expansion of an organization and diversification of line of business makes it difficult for a single manager to handle the organization. As a result, the concept of delegation of some managerial authority to the subordinates began in present day organizations. Here, the manager delegates some of his authorities to his subordinates.

Only the role of a supervisor is played by the top level management. The top level management also guide them, give them suggestions and instructions. Thus, delegation of authority minimizes the work load of the top level management and also develops the overall working efficiency of the business enterprise.

Delegation of authority means assigning works to others and giving them the required authority to effectively carry out the assigned works. The concept of delegation was developed because of the continuous increase in the size of organization together with its complexity.

Delegation of authority possesses the following features:

1. Delegation Of Only That Authority Possessed By A Manager

A manager is not capable of delegating the authority which he, himself, does not possess to a subordinate. This means that no one can give out what he does not possess.

2. Representation Of The Superior

A subordinate is supposed to act and behave in the same manner in which the superior would have acted and behaved.

3. Equality Of Authority And Responsibility

A manager has to balance authority and responsibilities. Assigning responsibility to a subordinate without proper authority would be worthless because the subordinate cannot perform the functions independently in an efficient way.

4. Responsibility Is Not Delegatable

A manager can only delegate authority to his subordinates in together with the assigned responsibility, but the final responsibility, under whatever condition, lies on him. He cannot run away from his final responsibilities.

Advantages Of Delegation

1. Minimize Work Load Of Managers

Delegation minimizes the workload on managers. With delegation, managers can assign regular nature of work to their subordinates so that they can concentrate more on managerial and creative functions effectively. In this way, delegation of authority helps to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the managers.

2. Motivation

Delegation of authority develops a feeling of status and prestige among the subordinates. It helps in improving their working efficiency. This leads to the maintenance of high morale on the part of the subordinates. This motivation of subordinates encourages them to develop their own effort towards achieving common goals.

3. Training And Development Of Subordinates

The manager delegates some of his authorities and responsibilities to the subordinates. The subordinates are to perform the tasks on behalf of the superior and they have to take decisions by using their own knowledge. This provides a framework for developing managerial ability among the subordinates in the organization.

4. Facilitates Growth And Expansion

Delegation of authority helps to facilitate growth and expansion of business activities. It also provides flexibility in the structure of the organization.

5. Quicker And Better Decisions

Delegation of authority helps in ensuring quicker and better decisions. Subordinates get the authority to take decisions on the matters of their own area by making sure that they remain within the limitations. Here, subordinates are free to take quick decisions without consulting the superior.

Common barriers in delegation of authority:

1. Unwillingness To Delegate

Some managers are not willing to delegate authority to their subordinates because they believe they can take better decisions than their subordinates. We can find this belief among those managers who have just been promoted and those having superiority complex. In such a situation, subordinates will not have much work and may lose the commitment to implement the decisions of the manger.

2. Fear Of Loss Of Control

Some managers think that they will lose control if they delegate authority to their subordinates. They have the feelings that if they delegate authority to their subordinates, they would probably not achieve the assigned responsibilities from their subordinates. Such fear is reasonable when subordinates are not capable of getting the jobs done.

3. Fear Of Subordinates 

Managers are reluctant to delegate authority if they fear that it will expose their shortcomings. They feel that their subordinates will perform better and may create problems in their own career. They have no self-confidence and do not want to face the competitive environment.

4. Incompetent Subordinates

Some subordinates are usually not willing to accept delegated authority because they lack self-confidence. They are afraid of making mistakes in their performance. It is the superior's responsibility to develop self-confidence in them by guiding them and also establishing a supportive environment.

5. Lack Of Motivation

Lack of motivation often discourages subordinates in taking responsibilities and accepting authorities. Such environment is found in companies where there is lack of reward.