Delegation

Delegation is the process of distributing and entrusting work to another person. In management or leadership within an organisation, it involves a manager aiming to efficiently distribute work, decision-making and responsibility to subordinate workers in an organization. Delegation may result in creation of an accountable chain of authority where authority and responsibility moves down in an organisational structure. Inefficient delegation may lead to micromanagement.

There are a number of reasons someone may decide to delegate. These include:

• To free themselves up to do other tasks in the pace of their own
• To have the most qualified person making the decisions
• To seek another qualified person's perspective on an issue
• To develop someone else's ability to handle the additional assignments judiciously and successfully.

Delegation is widely accepted as an essential element of effective management. The ability to delegate is a critical skill in managing effectively. There are a number of factors that facilitate effective delegation by managers, including "Recognising and respecting others’ capabilities; evaluating tasks and communicating how they fit in the big picture; matching people and assignments; providing support and encouragement; tolerating ambiguity and uncertainty; interpreting failure as a key to learning". With organisations being such complex and dynamic entities, the success of objectives relies heavily on how effectively tasks and responsibilities can be delegated.