Assigning tasks to
subordinates and giving them authority to perform the tasks is delegation of
authority. It is an important function to carry on work systematically in an
organization. It helps to minimize the
burden of a manager because through process of delegation the daily
responsibilities of the manager are reduced. The delegation provides a chance
to grow and take initiatives to whom the authority is delegated.
Principles of Delegation of Authority
Following are the principles that serve as guidelines for effective delegation of authority.
1. Principle of Functional Definition
An organization is categorized
by various functional departments. Each department has its specific objectives.
When these goals and objectives are clearly defined, then the manager can
determine the requirements of that specific position. When the position is
clearly defined then delegation of authority becomes easy. The subordinates can
perform efficiently when they are made aware of their duties and the expected
results.
2. Unity of Command
Unity of command is one of the
basic principles of management. According to this principle, a subordinate
should have a single superior from whom he obtains authority and to whom he is
solely accountable. It means the subordinate should receive orders and
instructions from a single superior and report to such a superior. On the other
hand, if the subordinate is required to report to more than one superior, there
may be confusion and conflicts. Unity of
command also eliminates overlapping and duplication of work.
3. Parity of Authority and Responsibility
The delegation of authority
should be based on the assigned responsibility. If subordinate is assigned
certain responsibility, he must be given some authority in order to perform his
duty. There should be proper balance
between authority and responsibility. If the authority is greater than the
responsibility, it may lead to misuse. On the other hand, if the responsibility
is greater than the authority, the subordinate will not be able perform his
duty efficiently. So the subordinate should be given adequate authority so that
he can carry out his duties.
4. The Scalar Principle
According to this principle,
there should be a proper hierarchy in the organization. It means there should
be clear lines of authority running from top to bottom in the organization. When
authority flows from top to bottom, it becomes easy for the subordinate to know
who delegates authority to him and to whom he will be accountable. This also
helps the subordinate to whom he should contact for matters beyond his
authority.
5. Absoluteness of Responsibility
This principle states that
only authority is delegated not the responsibility. The responsibility is
absolute and remains with the superior even after delegating authority to
subordinate. The superior remains fully accountable to his superior. In simple words, the superior will be answerable
to his superior whatever actions taken by the subordinate.
6. Clarity of Delegation
The delegation of authority
should be clear and understandable to subordinates. The manger should allow the
subordinates to make their own decisions as per the authority delegated to
them. The manager should know the purpose of delegation and the results
expected from it. The subordinates should know the area of their operation and
the extent of freedom of action available to them.
7. Principle of Exception
This principle suggests that
the subordinate should be given adequate freedom to perform his duty under the
purview of his authority. The manager should not interfere the subordinate
while he is performing his duty even he does the mistakes. But under exceptional circumstance, the
manager can interfere in the work of his subordinate and even withdraw the
authority delegated to him.
0 comments:
Post a Comment