[Commerce Class Notes] on Delegation of Authority Pdf for Exam

When it comes to running a business, or rather an organization, it is a must that you understand all the aspects that are associated with it. One such aspect is where the tasks run smoothly, without a delay. This is where one has to take into account all the considerations like many of the things including how the tasks must be distributed. Now, the tasks have to be done in more of a streamlined manner where all the people are given responsibilities where they can actually work more efficiently and take the organization to newer heights.

This can happen by taking the very first steps such as delegation of authority. This is the one task that all managers must put into practice due to the fact that there is a lot of ground to cover. One can rest assured by bringing such things into practice that they can have the work done in a more efficient manner where deadlines can be met pretty easily. 

Although there is a phenomenon where one must take the authority of the work given to them, it is also a must that one challenges their subordinates with new responsibilities. Since running an organization is not a one person job, so is the case with taking the authority for various things. It is a great thing for every manager to include their subordinates in the tasks and put them as one in authority. 

Elements of Delegation of Authority

Now that you know what delegation of authority is, you must also know that it is not just transfer of tasks and authority to one’s subordinates. However, the meaning seems to be a simple one, there are many benefits along with a fair share of risks involved. It is the job of a manager that they take into account the various risk factors along with the trust factor of their subordinates and then delegate the work accordingly.

Here are the three elements of Delegation of Authority:

• Accountability

• Responsibility

It is worth noting that these three may look like elements, but these are all predominant when it comes to the functioning of an organization. It has many effects for the organization, which can make or break it, in a major way. 

Process of Delegation of Authority

The Process of Delegation of Authority has seven sequential steps. Each step has its significance and continuity. So it is important to understand every step then delegate the authority accordingly.

The first step in the process of delegation of authority is to set the goals for which we are assigning work to the subordinate.

After setting up the goals, the manager or the responsible person needs to define the responsibilities of the employee. This makes the employee learn or understand what he needs to do and whom he needs to report or take instructions.

In the process of Delegation of Authority, the third step is more crucial than all other steps. This step is about defining the Author to subordinates. The authority varies from employee to employee based on the job assigned to them.

The next step is to motivate all the subordinates. The manager is supposed to not only delegate or assign the work to the support units. He also needs to encourage his employees to work effectively and fastly by putting all their efforts. The manager also monitors all the day-to-day actions done by subordinates.

The process of delegation of authority also has accountability in its steps. The manager needs to hold accountability regarding his employees. The manager or company should not depend on the employees.

In the process of delegation of authority, the manager needs to train his subordinates according to the job assigned. If a new task is given to the employee in a different language, he needs to train his subordinate and ask him to learn and develop his skills by working on new tasks.

The last step in the process of delegation of authority is to control the employees by maintaining proper appraisals for the performance.

 

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Types of Delegation of Authority

We have four different types of Delegation of authority. Each type of Delegation of authority is based on different factors. They are- 

• General or Specific Delegation. It is based on the job assigned.

• Formal or Informal Delegation. It is based on the process of giving authority.

• Top to bottom or bottom to top Delegation. It is based on the hierarchy.

• Lateral Delegation. It requires a group or team to work in parallel.

These are the various types of Delegation of authority.

 

Hence the delegation of authority is an art of getting things to be done by the subordinates. It is clear about the meaning of delegation of authority, elements, process types of the delegation of authority. It can be seen in every organization, so all the companies’ tasks can be taken as a delegation of authority example.