question_answer

Aryan is a manager overburdened with work. Recently, the other managers advised him to share his authority with his subordinates, using the process of delegation. They explained the concept of delegation to him and its essential elements also. Discuss briefly the essential elements of 'delegation'.

Answer:

Delegation refers to downward transfer of authority from a superior to a subordinate. Following are the elements of delegation: (i) Authority It refers to the right of an individual to command his subordinates and to take action within the scope of his position. It is needed to discharge a given responsibility to the subordinates. It flows downwards, i.e. from top to bottom in a scalar chain. (ii) Responsibility It is the obligation of a subordinate to properly perform the assigned task. It arises from a superior-subordinate relationship because the subordinate is bound to perform the duty assigned to him by his superior. It flows upwards, i.e. from bottom to top. (iii) Accountability It implies being answerable for the final outcome of the assigned task. It flows upwards, i.e. a subordinate will be accountable to his superior for satisfactory performance of work. Note A subordinate will always be responsible to his superior.