Summarize the principle guidelines for effective delegation of authority in an organization.

1. Grant proper amount of authority
This is the principle of parity of authority and responsibility. It means that responsibility for
results cannot be greater than the authority delegated. Conversely responsibility should not be
less than the authority delegated. Enough authority should always be delegated to achieve the
desired results. Failure to delegate the necessary authority to discharge the responsibility implies
that subordinates should not be held responsible for it would be both unsatisfactory and
inequitable. At the other extreme too much authority can result in a manager's "running away"
from the situation to the detriment of the organization e.g. too much authority over money may
lead to misappropriation and improper investments by managers.
2. Define the results expected
Another helpful approach is for the delegator to make sure he or she has clearly defined the
results expected. If a manager defined precisely what is to be done, he or she is in a much better
position to decide how much authority to delegate.
3. Consider the capabilities of the subordinate
In delegating it is important that the manager considers the experience background and
intelligence of the person to whom authority is to be assigned. Generally the more able the
individual, the more authority the person will be able to handle. However, allowances for
mistakes should be made.
4. Make sure the authority is clearly stated
If authority is not clearly explained problems can develop. Authority relationships should be
clear not only to the subordinates but to all others concerned as well. The person in charge
should be known to everyone involved in an activity i.e. all those concerned should know where
authority resides.
5. Modify the authority whenever necessary
Managers should maintain a flexible attitude about what kind of and how much authority to
delegate. Because of changes in the external environment new laws, economic conditions etc.
Authority is always revocable or subject to modification. It can always be taken back, increased,
decreased, or otherwise changed by the person who granted it in the first place.
6. Follow unity of command and chain of command
Ideally, authority should be delegated so that each individual reports to only one superior. Doing
so is often not possible because of the need for staff specialists, who frequently are given
functional authority.
It is also important for each person to know the source of authority delegated to him or her. Each
manager at all levels should know what decisions should be made by him or her and what
decisions must be passed upward to a superior. When this chain of command is violated, the
working authority of a manager is endangered.
7. Develop a willingness to delegate
Without delegation no organization can function well, and some of the largest obstacles to
effective delegation are psychological. Lack of courage to delegate properly and of the
knowledge of how to do it is one of the most general causes of failure in an organization.
Many managers are afraid to delegate authority because they fear the subordinate will not
perform satisfactorily and thus will make them look bad. Two observations are in order in
dealing with fear of subordinates. First, an effective Organization is never built by holding good
people back. Second an old maxim in management states, "managers are judged not by what they
do but by what they cause others to do".
8. A supportive climate
A supportive managerial climate free of fear and frustration should prevail. Mistakes should be
treated as teaching points and not causes for reprimand. A supportive and positive attitude
towards subordinates should be maintained. Participative management styles are more suitable
than authoritative ones for effective delegation.
9. Free communication
Delegation works best where superiors and subordinates communicate freely.
10. Control techniques
Control ensures that the delegated authority is not being abused. Control tools should not
however interfere with the day to day work of subordinates.

---

Kavungya answered the question on May 17, 2019 at 15:19