define delegation in Principles of Management
Delegation in the principles of management is a process whereby a manager or superior allocates decision-making power and assignment of tasks to their subordinates. This process is fundamental in effective management as it allows for a distribution of workload, encourages employee growth and development, and enhances organizational flexibility and productivity.
Key aspects of delegation in management include:
1. Authority: The manager grants authority to subordinates to act on his or her behalf. This is the empowerment part of the process, allowing the delegate to make decisions within a defined scope.
2. Responsibility: Alongside authority, responsibility is assigned. This means that the employee is accountable for completing the task or achieving the objectives set forth by the manager.
3. Accountability: Even though the subordinate has been given responsibility and authority, the manager retains overall accountability. In an organizational setting, it is crucial that the final accountability for the outcomes remains with the person who delegated the work.
Effective delegation involves clearly defining the task or project scope, providing the necessary resources and support, communicating expectations, and establishing a feedback mechanism to monitor progress and results. It should enable employees to use and develop their skills and capabilities, thereby enhancing motivation and job satisfaction and contributing to the organization's success.
Delegation is also reliant on trust between the manager and the subordinate. Managers must trust that their employees are competent and committed to doing the work, while subordinates must trust that managers will support them as needed and not undermine their authority.
In summary, delegation is a key management function that, when done effectively, can improve organizational efficiency, develop employees, and enable managers to focus on higher-level strategic objectives.