Effective Principles of Delegation

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

Principle of Delegation by Results: 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 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.

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.

Principle of Trust and confidence: superior should trust in subordinate. Also the superior must have the confidence in the ability of subordinate to perform the duty. As an organization, there must be trust and confidence in 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.

Principle of Adequate authority for the Responsibilities: There must be enough authority granted to the subordinate in relation to the responsibility. Imbalance of authority and responsibility could damage the objective of delegation.

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

Principle of Absolute Responsibility: Responsibility is an obligation which 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.

Principle of Adequate Communication: Free flow of information between the superior and his subordinates are a necessity. It will help the superior to take necessary decision on time. Also it will help the subordinate to understand the nature of the assigned duty and the degree of his authority and perform accordingly.

Principle of Effective control: Superior delegates his authority to his subordinate, not the responsibility and should be ensure that the transferred authority is used properly.

Principle of reward: An appropriate reward system to reward the subordinates will help the subordinates to take the 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.

Principle of receptiveness: The superior who delegates authority should listen and accept the suggestions made by his subordinates to reach a healthy decision. Therefore, delegation needs and understanding between the superior and his subordinates.

Delegation of Authority

Elements of Delegation