Reasons for an Increased Need for Delegation:
In this era of large-scale organization, the need for delegation of authority has increased. In every large organization, it becomes practically impossible for one man to carry the burden of responsibility without devolving it. Increasing workload and responsibilities also make the delegation of authority a necessity. Delegation is one of the best devices for dividing and distributing authority.
The following factors have been responsible for the need, rather the increasing need for Delegation.
(1) Delegation is the best means for lessening the increasing burden of Tasks. In a small organization, one person can do all the work of the organization. But in a large-scale organization, the burden of work is heavy and it gradually increases due to several developments in the internal and external environment of the organization. It is impossible for a single person to do the job without taking the help of his subordinates. Here arises the need for the delegation of authority and work. Through delegation, the superior is in a position to cope with the rush of work.
(2) Delegation helps the Chief Executive to devote more time to decision-making, policy formulation, and planning. In a large-scale organization, the burden of work is almost on the shoulders of a single person i.e., the Chief Executive. That is why delegation becomes a necessity. Only through delegation can, the Chief Executive get rid of the burden of his work. Delegation makes it possible for him to devote more time to the vital task of policy-making and decision-making.
(3) Delegation makes the organization act efficiently and economically. Delegation involves the division of labor. It is essential for the discharge of duties efficiently. It minimizes delays and makes the organization act more efficiently and economically. The division of authority acts as a means of effective control over the different branches of the organization/administration.
(4) Delegation is a means of imparting training to the subordinates. Delegation means conferring authority by the higher official or level to the lower official or level. When the lower level official exercises the delegated authority, he gets vital training in administration. Thus delegation is a means of giving training to subordinates. The subordinates get trained to bear the burden of work and to share the responsibility. It enables them to help the superior in decision-making. It also prepares them for future responsibilities.
(5) Delegation helps the creation of a managerial class. Not only does delegation give education and training to the subordinates but it provides managerial development training also. It helps the creation of a managerial class of subordinates. It enables them to bear the responsibility as well as to develop the habit of facing challenges. The delegation also increases the spirit of participation in administration. It is a means of self-advancement and self-expression.
(6) Delegation helps succession. Delegation is a means of giving training to subordinates. It prepares the subordinates to succeed in superior positions whenever these may fall vacant due to the retirement or removal or resignation of the higher officials. Whenever an administrator quits, another should be able to succeed him.
According to Shell, “Delegation is one of the most effective tools for an executive in preparing the way for his successor.”
(7) Delegation brings in flexibility in the organization. Flexibility is an important ingredient for the effective and efficient functioning of an organization. Rigidness is always harmful. To bring flexibility to an organization, delegation is needed. Delegation helps an organization to adjust to the changes in the environment as well as to the changes in the needs of this society.
Due to all these factors, delegation has become an imperative necessity for every organization, particularly for every large-scale and expanding organization. Delegation is practiced universally and almost in all organizations. The difference in delegation practiced by various organizations is of degree. The increased and still increasing complexities of the contemporary complex industrial-technological society have increased the role and responsibilities of administrative organizations. Consequently, there has occured a big increase in the practice of delegation.
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