What is delegation and what are two benefits and two risks?

• A. Delegation is transferring authority to subordinates; benefits: frees manager time, develops staff; risks: loss of control, tasks may be done poorly.
• B. Delegation is giving orders with no accountability; benefits: speed; risks: slows down decisions.
• C. Delegation is hiring external consultants; benefits: expert advice; risks: cost.
• D. Delegation is merging departments; benefits: synergy; risks: redundancy.

Answer: (B)

Delegation is about transferring some decision-making authority from a manager to subordinates while the manager remains accountable for the outcome. Two clear benefits are that it frees the manager’s time to focus on other tasks and planning, and it helps develop staff by giving them real responsibility and a chance to learn new skills. Two common risks are a loss of control if the manager doesn’t monitor progress, and the possibility that tasks are done poorly if the person lacks the necessary skills or clarity. To make delegation work well, give clear objectives, the appropriate level of authority, some training if needed, and follow-up to check progress. Note that delegation is not about giving orders with no accountability; that would miss the essential element of responsibility that comes with delegation.