Principles of Delegation

To make delegation of authority effective, managers need to follow certain principles. These are some principles of delegation;

1. Functional Definition: Before delegating authority, managers should clearly define the tasks and responsibilities of subordinates. This means specifying what needs to be achieved, the activities involved, and how it connects to other roles in the organization.
2. Delegation by Results Expected: Authority should be delegated based on the desired results. Managers should decide what outcomes they expect from subordinates and communicate those expectations. This helps subordinates understand what they need to achieve and how their performance will be measured.
3. Balance of Authority and Responsibility: It’s important to have a fair balance between authority and responsibility given to someone. They should have the necessary authority to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
4. Clear Accountability: Each person should have complete responsibility for their assigned tasks. They cannot pass on their responsibilities to others.
5. Single Chain of Command: Everyone should report to and be accountable to a single superior. This avoids confusion and conflicts that can arise when multiple people have authority over the same tasks.
6. Clearly Defined Authority Limits: Each person should have clear boundaries for their authority. This prevents overlapping of authority and allows individuals to take initiative within their designated areas.
7. Decision-Making at Appropriate Levels: Managers at each level should make decisions within their authority. They shouldn’t unnecessarily pass decisions to higher levels when they have the necessary authority. Only matters beyond their authority should be escalated.

Delegation is the process of assigning authority, responsibility, and tasks to individuals or teams within an organization. It involves transferring decision-making authority from managers to their subordinates, empowering them to make decisions and take action within their assigned roles. By delegating tasks, managers can focus on higher-level responsibilities and strategic decision-making while their subordinates handle operational or specialized tasks. Delegation includes elements, such as authority, responsibility, accountability, and effective communication. It brings several benefits, including increased productivity, skill development, empowerment, improved decision-making, and succession planning. Effective delegation requires considering factors, like employee competence, workload capacity, and task complexity, along with providing adequate support and feedback for successful task completion.