Principles of Delegation

 

Delegation is one of the important elements in an organizational function. Through delegation, interrelations are created in an organization. There are certain principles that can be followed as guidelines for effective delegation. They are:

The principle of Delegation by Results: The purpose of delegation is to get the work done more effectively and efficiently by someone else. To get the desired result is the objective of Delegation. For that, the goals are already set and properly communicated to the subordinates and it must be understood by him. If the subordinate is not able to perform and accomplish the desired objective, there is no point in assigning the task to him. Delegation should be result oriented.

The principle of Competence: It should be secured that the subordinate should be competent enough to fulfill the assigned task. Before delegating the authority, we should examine the person to whom the power is transferred. If he is not competent enough to exercise his authority, it could be waste of time and resources.

The principle of Trust and confidence: superior should trust in a subordinate. Also the superior must have confidence in the ability of subordinates to perform the duty. As an organization, there must be trust and confidence between the subordinates/co-workers. Trust will bring drive and initiative in the work. It is possible only if the subordinate is mentally free to exercise his authority.

The principle of Adequate authority for the Responsibilities: There must be enough authority granted to the subordinate in relation to the responsibility. An imbalance of authority and responsibility could damage the objective of delegation.

 

The principle of Unity of Command: There must be unity in command. If you obtain different command from numerous bosses, there will be confusion and conflict which result in the inefficiency of the subordinate. The subordinate should report to one boss and accept the command from one boss will help him to concentrate on his duty and it also helps him perform very well. If there is more than one boss, there must be unity in command.

The principle of Absolute Responsibility: Responsibility represents an obligation that can neither be delegated nor be transferred temporarily. Superior cannot escape the responsibility for the activities of his subordinates through delegation because it is the superior who has delegated the authority and has distributed duties. At the same time, the responsibility of a subordinate to the superior also cannot be shifted or transferred. The duties allocated to the subordinates by the superior is absolute and cannot be shifted and are bound to perform the assigned duties.

The principle of Adequate Communication: Free flow of information between the superior and his subordinates is a necessity. It will support the superior, to take the necessary decision on time. Also, it will assist the subordinate to understand the nature of the assigned duty and the degree of his authority and perform accordingly.

The principle of Effective control: Superior delegates his authority to his subordinate, not the responsibility and should ensure that the transferred authority is exercised properly.

The principle of reward: An appropriate reward system to reward the subordinates will help the subordinates to take more responsibility and assume more authority which will create a healthy environment and the growth of the organization. Effective delegation and utilization of the proper authority should be rewarded.

The principle of receptiveness: The superior who delegates authority should listen and accept the suggestions made by his subordinates to influence a sound decision. Therefore, delegation requires an understanding between the superior and his subordinates.