Time Management -Delegation

Question 1

Reasons FOR delegating authority in a large, complex organisation?

Answer 1

Manager gives subordinate power/authority to make decisions in a given sphere of influence. Vertical, sometimes horizontal.

Reasons for delegation:

1) Job enrichment; encourage development, motivation - promotion opportunities
2) Customer service viewpoint
3) Routine/less important decisions passed down
4) Increasing size & complexity calls for specialisation (Managerial/technical)
5) Managerial succession - experience
6) Physical/mental limitations of workload

Question 2

Reasons AGAINST delegation:

Answer 2

1) Burden of responsibility/accountability
2) Organisation fails to recognise benefits of delegation
3) Lack of understanding of delegation (not giving subordinates total control)
4) Desire to ‘stay in touch’
6) Low confidence/trust in ability
5) Unwillingness to admit ease of job
7) Poor communication systems; do everything themselves to retain control

Question 3

Stage 1 of delegation

Answer 3

Appropriate person selected & given sufficient resources/authority

Question 4

Stage 2 of delegation

Answer 4

Proper briefing:

• appropriate instruction, expected performance. Objectives specific, realistic & measurable.
• scope of authority specified (discount, returns & research)

Question 5

Stage 3 of delegation

Answer 5

Support during task. Not overridden, encourage analysis

Question 6

Stag 4 of delegation

Answer 6

Debrief:

• performance, problems, capability
• consider whether initial briefing adequate
• long-term development of subordinate