Sheet 65
THE DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
1 Effects of Delegating Authority
Delegating authority is a method of developing staffs ability by assigning authority to them and letting them take on part of their bosses' job. In addition to staff development, delegating authority also has the following effects.
・Work will not be delayed in the event of managers being away on business or absent on sick leave.
・Managers may have more time to concentrate on other important matters.
・Interpersonal relationships may be enhanced if staff feel that their boss trusts them with being delegated important duties.
2 Points to Note when Delegating Authority
When delegating authority, bosses should note the following points.
・Delegate according to the employee's level of ability
The risk of failure is high if delegation is undertaken without first considering the ability and motivation of the employees concerned. In such cases, staff confidence and morale are likely to be shaken.
・Delegate with a view to developing staff
If a heavy work load is the only reason behind delegating certain duties, staff may feel that this work is being pushed on to them. It is important to delegate with a view to developing staff.
・Do not avoid responsibility
By delegating authority, bosses do not delegate away their responsibilities. Should staff fail in the work that they have been assigned, it is important that managers take full responsibility.
・Give them credit
By way of contrast, where staff succeed in any given assignment, managers should not try to take the credit themselves. If they have worked for it, it is important to give them the credit.
・Do not over-supervise
Over-supervision destroys the original purpose of job delegation. Supervisors who do this merely use their employees as additional sets of hands and feet. Since authority and duties have been delegated, it is important to respect the employee's ability to work independently, and limit intervention to providing general guidance and directions.
・Monitor to prevent failure
Even when authority has been delegated, it is important that bosses monitor work progress and render any support necessary to avoid failure. Failure itself will cause staff to lose self confidence and this is against the original objective of staff development.
