Delegation

Delegation is the process of distributing and entrusting work to another person.^[1] 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.^[2] 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.^[3]

Delegation is widely accepted as an essential element of effective management.^[4] The ability to delegate is a critical skill in managing effectively.^[5] 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".^[5] With organisations being such complex and dynamic entities, the success of objectives relies heavily on how effectively tasks and responsibilities can be delegated.^[6]