What is the term for giving subordinates the ability to perform tasks?

• A. Delegation
• B. Autocratic Leadership
• C. Democratic Leadership
• D. Job Specification

Answer: (A)

Delegation is the act of transferring responsibility and some decision-making authority to a subordinate so they can carry out tasks. It lets a manager assign work to others, moving tasks down the line while the manager remains accountable for the results. This empowerment is what gives subordinates the ability to perform tasks, with clear boundaries and support.

Autocratic leadership keeps most decisions with the leader and limits subordinates’ input, so it’s not about giving task-performing power. Democratic leadership involves sharing decision-making but isn’t specifically the act of enabling someone to carry out tasks on the leader’s behalf. A job specification is just a document outlining duties and requirements, not the act of assigning execution authority.