Outline
This is an essay which discusses some questions related with delegation, which is a core element of leadership. The discussion questions are – Is delegation significant in leadership? Will leadership work without delegation? And what are the respective roles of leaders and followers in the delegation process?
Introduction
Is delegation significant in leadership process? Can a leader delegate all the tasks or duties? What are the respective roles of leaders and followers in the delegation process?
Delegation; its significance in Leadership
Delegation refers to subdividing the authority to the followers. Delegation can be defined as “the assignment of responsibility and accountability for specific outcomes or achievements to a specific individual or organisation unit.” (What is effective delegation 2009).
Delegation has significant role in the effectiveness of the leadership process. A leader who does not delegate his authority to his subordinates or followers cannot be called as a good leader. If the leaders delegate some of the authorities and powers to their subordinates or followers, it is a motivating factor. The followers will have a good feeling that their leaders are giving due consideration to them. And they will start contributing more than what they were actually contributing. This will positively affect the organisation by way of overall improvement in the performance of the organisation.
The leaders, who do not delegate the authority or tasks to their followers, believe that the tasks can be done by themselves better than others. But in most of the cases it is proved that, it is a wrong observation. (Delegation 1997).
But sometimes there may be followers who can do some tasks or duties better than their leaders. A good leader is not supposed to have such foolish beliefs. Delegation is considered as the foundation of leadership. (Foundations of leadership 2009).
He should be ready to delegate the authority, which will be advantageous in future.
Scope Limitations of Delegation
The important point to be noted is that, though delegation is good and it can reduce the workload of leaders, some important aspects should not be delegated. It should be done by the superiors or leaders. (Delegation 1997).
The reason is that the followers may not have enough experience and skill required to perform such tasks or decisions. Moreover, these aspects may be confidential in nature and to preserve the confidentiality, it is better not to delegate such aspects.
The tasks that are not supposed to be delegated also include the tasks in which the subordinates are not trained well and the tasks which leaders and followers know cannot be done by the followers. (Delegating 2008).
Though there are some areas or aspects that cannot be delegated, the rest of the aspects can be delegated by the leaders.
The role of leaders and followers in the delegation process
Once the leader delegates some of his authority to his subordinates or followers his duty is not finished. It is the duty of the leader to ensure that the subordinates are doing or performing the delegated tasks according to the plan of action. He should guide and supervise them in performing the tasks. Once the leaders assigned some tasks or authorities to the followers, then it is the duty of the subordinates to perform the assigned tasks according to the requirement. When a leader delegates his authority to his subordinates, it is the duty of the subordinates to receive the authority. (Advancement).
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the combined efforts of both the leaders and followers make the delegation process successful. When some tasks are delegated to some followers, the followers may have some doubts regarding the performance of the delegated tasks. The subordinates are supposed to ask their doubts to their superiors or leader and clear their doubts. Therefore, there should be a continuous communication between the superiors and subordinates throughout the performance of the assigned tasks.
Reference
Advancement, Integrated Publishing: The Most Informative Site on the Internet, 2009.
Delegation 1997, Web.
Delegating 2008, Poslovni Bazar.si.
Foundations of leadership: delegation 2009, Adventure Associates, Web.
What is effective delegation: delegation definition 2009, Derek Stockley, Web.