delegation
del-uh-GAY-shuhn
/ˌdelɪˈɡeɪʃən/
The assignment of executive authority and responsibilities to another person; a body of delegates representing an entity.
In management, delegation means transferring operational duty down the chain of command while ultimate managerial accountability remains with the manager.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'delegare', which meant sending an official representative on a legal or diplomatic mission. In management science during the 20th century, delegation evolved from diplomatic representation into the systematic entrusting of workplace authority to subordinates.
Word relationships
- devolution: 'Devolution' refers specifically to political transfer of power from a central government to regional bodies, whereas 'delegation' applies broadly to workplace tasks.
- deputation: 'Deputation' focuses on appointing someone to act temporarily on one's behalf, whereas 'delegation' is routine assignment of operational duties.
- centralization: 'Centralization' is concentrating all executive decision-making authority within a single central group.
- micromanagement: 'Micromanagement' is maintaining total, minute control rather than trusting others with tasks.
Commonly confused with
- relegation: 'Relegation' is demoting someone to an inferior position; 'delegation' is granting task authority.
Word family
- delegate (verb): To entrust a task or responsibility to another person.
- delegate (noun): A representative authorized to act for others.
Collocations
- effective delegation
- delegation of authority
- delegation of power
- foreign delegation
Idioms & expressions
- pass the baton
Example sentences
- "Effective delegation allows corporate executives to focus on long-term strategy while empowering managers to handle daily operations." Corporate leadership and task management
- "The delegation of legislative authority to administrative agencies has become a defining feature of modern governance." Political governance citation
Memory hook
Delegation sends a DELEGATE to carry out tasks on your behalf. Passing responsibility down to others.
When not to use
Do not use delegation to describe abdicating or completely abandoning responsibility without ongoing supervisory oversight.
Fun facts
- In management literature, the 'monkey on the back' metaphor describes poor delegation—where employees pass operational problems back up to their manager.
Related words
Explore more words
delegate, devolution, accountable, deputize, empower, devolve
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