(a) What is delegation of authority? (b) State four advantages of delegation of authority.

Explanation

(a) Delegation of authority; is the transfer of power or right to a subordinate to give orders and enforce obedience in the performance of a particular job. The complicated nature and growth of organizational activities have made it imperative for senior officers to delegate authority to their subordinates in the performance of a particular job.

(b) Advantages of delegation of authority are:

(i) The work load of the superiors will be reduced.

(ii) Delegation of authority saves a lot of time as certain duties can be delegated to the subordinates.

(iii) It makes for speed in the performance of duty.

(iv) Delegation of authority helps to train the subordinates whom this authority is delegated to do certain jobs.

(v) Delegation of authority helps to spread out work in an organisation to every worker.