DELEGATION

1. Delegation

2. Meaning :-
• Delegation is an administrative process of getting
things done by others by giving them responsibility
• All important decisions are taken at top level by board
of directors and execution is entrusted to chief
executive, he then assigned the work to departmental
managers
• The process goes to the level where actual work is
executed
• There is a limit upto which a person can supervise the
subordinates. When the number of subordinates
increases beyond it then he will have to delegate his
powers to others who perform supervision for him

3. Characteristics of delegation :-
1.Delegation takes place when a manager grants some
of his powners to subordinates
2.Delegation occurs only when the person delegating the
authority himself has that authority
3.Only a part of authority is delegated to subordinates
4.A manager delegating authority can reduce, enhance
or take the power back
5.It is only the authority which is delegated and not the
responsibility

4. Principles of delegation :-
1.The principle of functional definition :- The
related or similar activities should be grouped
together according to enterprise function
2.Principle of unity of command:- This principle
states that a subordinate should report only to a
single superior. This will give a sense of
personal responsibility
3.Principles of delegation by results expected :-
The authority should be sufficient to achieve the
desired results. If authority is insufficient then
the results will not be achieved

5. 4.Principle of absolutely essential of responsibility:- The
responsibility of a subordinate, once he accepted the work is
absolute to his superior. The responsibility of superior does
not decrease
5.Principle of parity of authority and responsibility:- Since
authority is right to carry out assignment and responsibility is
obligation to accomplish it, there should be a balance
between both
6.Authority level principles:- The managers should allow the
subordinates to take their own decisions as per the authority
delegated to them
7.The scalar principle :- The subordinates should know whom
they should refer to if the matter is beyond their authority

6. Types :-
• General or specific authority:-
When the authority is given to perform general
managerial functions like planning, organizing, directing
etc, the subordinate managers perform these functions and
enjoy the authority required to carry out these
responsibilities
Specific delegation may relate to a particular
function or assigned task
• Formal or informal delegation :-
Formal delegation of authority is part of
organisational structure.
Informal delegation does not arise due to
position but because of circumstances

7. • Lateral delegation:-
When a person is delegated an authority to accomplish a task
he may need assistance. He may indirectly contact the person to
get their help for taking up the work by cutting short time of formal
delegation
• Reserved authority or Delegated authority:-
Adelegator may not like to delegate every authority to
subordinates. The authority which he keeps with him is called
reserved authority and the authority which us assigned to
subordinates is delegated authority

8. Difficulties involved in delegation of authority :-
1.Over confidence of superior
2.Lack of confidence in subordinates
3.Lack of ability of subordinates
4.Lack of proper controls
5.Lack of proper temperament of superiod
6.Inability of subordinates

9. Importance of delegation :-
1.Relieving top executives
2.Improved functioning
3.Use of specialists
4.Helps in employee development
5.Helps in expansion and
diversification