Delegation

It refers to assignment of authority and responsibility to author person or persons to carry out specific authority. In organizations superiors delegate authority to subordinates for accomplishing task. This is necessary mechanism for effective functioning of organization because no superior can supervise all activities of organization. Delegation helps in developing skills and competence of subordinates. 

Advantages of Delegation 

• It increases managerial effectiveness and reduces managers' burden of work. 
• It provides opportunity to subordinates to share responsibility and sharpen their skills. 
• Many executives have high need for achievement. They enjoy work and like to share responsibility. Such executives feel motivated when 'mangers practices delegation. 
• It makes executives result oriented. 

Disadvantages of not Delegating 

• Managers will feel burden of work continuously. 
• There will be feeling of mistrust between managers and his subordinates. 
• Subordinates will not get opportunity for developing their skills. 
• Manpower utilization will be inadequate. 

Why Managers do not Delegate 

• Some managers feel insecure because of competences and skills of subordinate who can do very efficient job. 
• Some managers think that 

1. I can do better job than subordinates, 
2. subordinates are incompetent, and 
3. they will make mistakes. 

• They do not trust subordinates. 
• They fear that subordinates can be appreciated by top management. 
• Some managers want to create an impression of indispensable person. 
• Some managers have authoritarian style of leadership. They do not like to share power and decision-making.