What is delegation?

There is a limit to what a particular can perform single-handed. After a point, the other persons working in the organisation have to be connected for performing decision-making or the task. This is termed as delegation of authority. Delegation of authority implies granting of authority to subordinates to operate in prescribed limits. The principle of parity of responsibility and authority states in delegating that, managers should match the responsibility of subordinate along with the grant of commensurate authority. Assignment of tasks or duties without sufficient authority will render a subordinate ineffectual. Authority without matching responsibility will make him careless. The extra authority may be used arbitrarily, capriciously or without sufficient consideration of the effect on others, if authority exceeds responsibility. If responsibility exceeds authority then we would in effect holding persons accountable for things they cannot change/control. A perfect delegation is one that ensures a proper balance in between responsibility and authority. Responsibility and authority are co-extensive terms that are the two go together. Therefore, in the process of delegation of authority, that parity between responsibility and authority should be taken care of number subordinate could be held responsible for demonstrating those results for that no authority was granted to him. Therefore, there has to be an equitable balance between responsibility and authority.