Which term describes giving employees freedom to decide within their role?

• A. Delegation involves assigning tasks with authority to complete them, possibly with oversight.
• B. Outsourcing involves contracting work to external providers.
• C. Autonomy involves giving employees freedom to decide within their role.
• D. Supervision involves monitoring daily activities.

Answer: (C)

Autonomy means giving employees freedom to decide how to carry out their work within the boundaries of their role. This freedom to choose approaches, methods, and priorities can increase motivation and a sense of ownership because people feel trusted to make important decisions about their tasks.

This is different from delegation, where a manager assigns tasks but may still require oversight or give specific steps to follow. Outsourcing is about contracting work to an external provider, not about internal decision rights. Supervision is simply monitoring and directing someone’s daily activities.

So, when the question talks about allowing someone to decide within their role, autonomy is the best fit because it captures that internal decision-making freedom and empowerment.