Effectiveness of delegation is governed largely by the general attitude of business which depends on various factors, like management policies, organisational culture, professional outlook and willingness on the part of key managers to delegate authority and the willingness as well as competence of the subordinates to accept delegation. The studies undertaken have shown that poor or inept delegation is one of the most prominent causes for the lack of delegation or failure of delegation. For effective delegation, the following measures may be taken.
1) Improvement in the organisational climate and general management policies: The organisational climate depends on several factors, the most important of which is the general attitude of the key managers and the overall personnel policy of the organisation. A forward looking, progressive organisation believes in the development of its people and as such throws open more and more opportunities for the younger managers to develop.
2) Trust in subordinates: If the key managers create an atmosphere of trust and repose their confidence in the subordinates, the subordinates will be motivated to take responsibilities. Once trust prevails, the feeling of fear disappears.
3) Establish clear objectives:Effective delegation depends on clarity of objectives. The delegatee should clearly know what has he to achieve.
4) Define responsibility and authority: The delegatee should know the degree of authority he enjoys to perform the job, and its adequacy in relation to his responsibilities.
5) Motivate subordinates:Motivation is the moving force in delegation. About the best leader, the Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu said when their task is accomplished, their work done, the people feel “we have done this ourselves’.” It is difficult to say what would motivate people. The true motivation is internal. What clicks in motivating an individual is not easy to know. Yet it is for the superior to know as to what the urgent needs of their subordinates are. Research studies have shown that group recognition and group cohesiveness encourage participative management. The introduction of participative management in the organisation must be encouraged at all levels i.e. lower, middle and top levels.
6) Improve communication:Communication is an effective tool for promoting better understanding and improving the organisational climate. There should be a free flow of information about the policies and programmes of the organisation.
7) Provide necessary training:Subordinates should be trained to accept delegation and the manager should master the skill of delegation.
8) Establish adequate controls:Effective delegation requires a system of controls to free the manager from routine inspections and yet enable him to maintain accountability.
