Delegation in Management

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Questions and Answers

Which type of task should always remain with an executive and not be delegated?

Tasks with clearly defined objectives and policies

Tasks that can easily be divided among team members

Routine tasks that could improve team efficiency

Emergency tasks that require immediate attention (correct)

Which factor is NOT essential for a recipient of delegation to understand?

Their personal opinion on the task (correct)

Conditions for feedback and check-backs

Available resources and limitations

The amount of authority granted to them

Who is the most suitable recipient for delegating major duties?

An inexperienced team member

A junior employee with limited knowledge

An employee who prefers delegation over responsibility

An employee with a functional specialty in the delegated area (correct)

What is a critical characteristic of authority?

The right to influence decision-making and give orders Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a method for controlling delegated tasks?

Providing complete autonomy with no check-ins Signup and view all the answers

Which group would typically be responsible for handling emergencies outside the normal workplace?

Trouble shooters with relevant experience Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a source of authority?

The financial resources available to them Signup and view all the answers

What type of authority do line managers possess?

Full authority to direct subordinates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary definition of delegation?

The democratic distribution of responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a value of delegation?

Concentration of authority among top management. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prerequisite for effective delegation?

A high degree of work organization must be present. Signup and view all the answers

Which barrier can directly impact the delegation process?

Fear of losing control over the delegated task. Signup and view all the answers

Which task is recommended for delegation according to the established guidelines?

Fact finding and analysis prior to review. Signup and view all the answers

What can be considered a psychological barrier to delegation?

Insecure feelings about the abilities of subordinates. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT considered an element of delegation?

Outcome Signup and view all the answers

What might the absence of effective communication lead to in the delegation process?

Misunderstandings about tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Delegation

Delegation is a democratic administrative approach for distributing responsibility.
It involves assigning tasks and the required authority to individuals or groups.
Key elements of delegation are the giver, the responsibility, and the receiver.

Objectives of Delegation

Identify Delegation: understanding the concept of delegation.
Identify Values of Delegation: recognizing the benefits of delegating tasks.
Identify Prerequisites of Delegation: identifying the necessary steps for successful delegation.
Identify Barriers of effective Delegation: recognizing potential problems in delegation.
Identify Possible recipient of delegation: identifying suitable individuals to delegate to.

Values of Delegation

Fast growth and development of employees in the organization or agency.
Wide distribution of responsibility.
Participation in making and carrying out service plans.

Prerequisites of Delegation

Well-organized agency with clear communication of tasks to receivers.
Recipients must have the necessary authority to complete tasks.
High degree of work organization (includes good setting, policy formulation, program planning, employee training, effective communication, worker identification, performance control, and review).

Barriers of Effective Delegation

Work overload hindering explanation to others.
Insecure feelings about employee abilities.
Lack of knowledge about the delegated task.
Fear of losing control over the delegated task.

What to Delegate

Decisions about delegation depend on the nature of the item.
Tasks to delegate include; fact-finding, analysis, goal formulation, policy and program planning, and initial draft preparation.
Tasks others can do better, faster, or more cost-effectively are also candidates for delegation.

What Not to Delegate

Unique tasks that aren't likely to recur.
Secret tasks.
Emergency tasks.
Hiring immediate staff.
Tasks with unclear policies/objectives.
Tasks requiring immediate completion with minimal feedback time.
Tasks crucial for public relations.

Possible Recipients of Delegation

Responsible employees for major duties.
Employees with functional specialties.
Qualified and experienced employees.
Staff for emergencies outside normal workplace.
Seniority employees for tasks like representing the administrator in meetings.

How to Delegate

Recipient must understand delegated authority, allocated resources (financial, personnel, physical), and feedback/reporting conditions.

How to Control Delegation

Control methods should not be overly restricted or permissive.
Methods for maintaining control include minimum feedback requirements at the beginning of a task; achievement point checklists; staff meeting/progress notes; and indirect reminders.

Authority

Definition: the right to make decisions, direct others' work, and issue orders.
Sources: position/rank, personal characteristics (charisma, expertise).
Types of Authority: Line authority (managers giving orders); Staff authority (advising/consulting); Functional authority (specific task orders in limited areas).

Responsibility

Definition: obligation to perform duties; cannot be delegated.
Fields:
- Job Description: activities to be achieved, including steps like examining organizational objectives, determining required activities and tasks, and selecting individuals for each task.
- Manager's Administrative Activities.
- Manager-subordinate and top-manager attitude analysis as a measure of responsibility fulfillment.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of delegation in management, focusing on its key elements, values, prerequisites, and potential barriers. Understanding delegation is crucial for effective leadership and fostering employee growth within an organization. Test your knowledge on how to strategically assign tasks and responsibility.