Delegation Explained | Organisational Design

What is delegation?

The assignment to others of the authority for particular functions, tasks, and decisions

What are examples of delegation?

• The Human Resources Director of a public limited company delegates authority for recruitment and training to the Recruitment and Training Manager

• The supermarket Store Manager delegates authority for ensuring products are properly displayed to her Section Managers

What are the benefits of effective delegation?

• Lower management stress and workload

• A good method of on-the-job training

• Allows senior management to focus on key tasks

• Subordinates are empowered and motivated

• Better decisions or use of resources (potentially)

What are drawbacks of delegation?

• It is harder in a smaller business- fewer people

• Cannot/should not delegate responsibility

• Depends on the quality/experience of subordinates

• This may increase the workload and stress of subordinates