Delegation of Authority:

Meaning No individual can perform all the activities by himself.

Therefore, the total work of an organisation is divided among
different persons. Every individual is given some authority so that
he can accomplish his task. Every manager shares his authority
with his subordinates because he alone cannot exercise all the
authority himself. After assigning duty and granting authority to
subordinates, a manager holds them accountable for proper
discharge of duty. This part of the organising process is known as
delegation of authority.
Definition:
1. The process of delegation involves the determination of results
expected, the assignment of tasks, the delegation of authority for
the accomplishment of these tasks and the execution of
responsibility for their accomplishment Konntz and ODonnell.
2. Delegation means assigning work to others and giving them
authority to do it
F.G.More.
Nature / Characteristics:
1. Delegation takes place when a superior grants some discretion
to a subordinate. The subordinate must act within the limits
prescribed by the superior.
2. A manager cannot delegate authority which he himself does
not posses. Moreover, he cannot delegate the entire authority to
his subordinates because if he delegates all his authority, he
passes his position to the subordinates.
3. Generally authority regarding routine decisions and for
execution of policies is delegated to subordinates. A manager
retains the authority to take policy decisions and to exercise
control over the activities of subordinates.
4. The extent of authority which is delegated depends upon
several factors e.g. the ability of the executive to delegate, the
ability of the subordinates to accept delegation, the philosophy of

management, the confidence of the superior in his subordinates,

etc.,
5. Delegation does not imply reduction in the authority of a
manager. He can reduce, enhance or take back the delegated
authority.
6. Delegation may be specific or general, written or implied,
formal or informal. Delegation may be downward, upward or sidewards but downward delegation is the most common type of
delegation in practice.
7. Delegation does not mean abdication of responsibility. No
manager can escape from his obligation by delegating authority
to subordinates. Therefore, he must provide a means of checking
upon the work that is done for him to ensure that it is done as he
wishes.
8. Delegation is an art because
(a) it is creative
(b) it is practice based
(c) it is result-oriented
(d) it involves use of personal skills and
(e) it is a personalised process.