CHAPTER
TWO
LITERATURE
REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Introduction
This chapter discusses
concepts, past studies, and various literatures related to delegation of
authority. This review is subdivided
into;
Concept
of delegation and authority, relevance of delegation in the Nigeria public service,
challenges of effective delegation in
the Nigeria public service, theoretical framework, theoretical bases, review of
empirical studies, study gap and summary of the review.
2.2
The
Concept of Delegation and Authority
A
manager alone cannot perform all the tasks assigned to him. In order to meet
the targets, the manager or executive has to delegate authority. Delegation of
Authority means division of authority and powers downwards to the subordinate Ali,
Lukeman (2001). Delegation is about
entrusting someone else to do parts of your job. Delegation of authority can be
defined as subdivision and sub-allocation of powers to the subordinates in
order to achieve effective results Abdul Salam (2003).
Delegation of authority is
the base of superior-subordinate relationship, it involves following steps:-
Assignment of Duties - The
delegator first tries to define the task and duties to the subordinate. He also
has to define the result expected from the subordinates. Clarity of duty as
well as result expected has to be the first step in delegation Awe, N (2008).
Granting of authority - Subdivision
of authority takes place when a superior divides and shares his authority with
the subordinate. It is for this reason; every subordinate
should be given enough independence to carry the task given to him by his
superiors. The managers at all levels delegate authority and power which is
attached to their job positions. The subdivision of powers is very important to
get effective results Breach E.F (2007).
Creating Responsibility
and Accountability - The delegation process does not
end once powers are granted to the subordinates. They at the same time have to
be obligatory towards the duties assigned to them. Responsibility is said to be
the factor or obligation of an individual to carry out his duties in best of
his ability as per the directions of superior Certo , Samuel (2002).
Responsibility is very important. Therefore, it is that which gives
effectiveness to authority. At the same time, responsibility is absolute and
cannot be shifted. Accountability, on the other hand, is the obligation of the individual to
carry out his duties as per the standards of performance. Therefore, it is said
that authority is delegated, responsibility is created and accountability is
imposed. Accountability arises out of responsibility and responsibility arises
out of authority. Therefore, it becomes important that with every authority
position an equal and opposite responsibility should be attached Dessler G., (2006).
Delegation
of authority is a process in which the authority and powers are divided and
shared amongst the subordinates. When the work of a manager gets beyond his
capacity, there should be some system of sharing the work. This is how
delegation of authority becomes an important strategy for effective performance
in organization function Dorah Ebrahem (2002).
There
are a few concepts of delegation which can be of help to the manager in the process
of delegation: -
Result excepted- suggests
that every manager before delegating the powers to the subordinate should be
able to clearly define the goals as well as results expected from them. The
goals and targets should be completely and clearly defined and the standards of
performance should also be notified clearly. For example, a marketing manager
explains to the salesmen regarding the units of sale to take place in a
particular day, say ten units a day have to be the target sales. While a
marketing manager provides these guidelines of sales, mentioning the target
sales is very important so that the salesman can perform his duty efficiently
with a clear set of mind.
Parity of Authority and
Responsibility- According to this concept, the
manager should keep a balance between authority and responsibility. Both of
them should go hand in glove Fatai, Abdul Majid (2005).
Absolute
responsibility- this concepts says that the
authority can be delegated but responsibility cannot be delegated by managers
to his subordinates which means responsibility is fixed. The manager at every
level, no matter what is his authority, is always responsible to his superior
for carrying out his task by delegating the powers Maliki Mustafa (2009).
Every superior is responsible for
the acts of their subordinates and are accountable to their superior. Therefore the superiors cannot pass the blame
to the subordinates even if he has delegated certain powers to subordinates.
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