Which term denotes giving authority to a subordinate to act on behalf of the supervisor while remaining responsible for the outcome?

Which term denotes giving authority to a subordinate to act on behalf of the supervisor while remaining responsible for the outcome?

• A. Delegation
• B. Directing
• C. Communicating
• D. Vision

Answer: (A)

Delegation is giving authority to a subordinate to act on your behalf while you remain responsible for the outcome. It means you formally transfer decision-making power within defined limits, along with responsibility for the results. You set the scope, provide resources, and establish expectations, but you monitor and stay accountable for what happens. This differs from directing, which focuses on telling someone what to do in the moment without transferring ongoing authority; and from communicating, which is just sharing information and does not authorize action; and from vision, which is about broad goals and direction rather than concrete authorization. For example, empowering a staff member to approve standard expense reimbursements up to a certain limit lets them decide within that boundary, while the supervisor remains accountable for the process and outcomes.

Delegation is giving authority to a subordinate to act on your behalf while you remain responsible for the outcome. It means you formally transfer decision-making power within defined limits, along with responsibility for the results. You set the scope, provide resources, and establish expectations, but you monitor and stay accountable for what happens. This differs from directing, which focuses on telling someone what to do in the moment without transferring ongoing authority; and from communicating, which is just sharing information and does not authorize action; and from vision, which is about broad goals and direction rather than concrete authorization. For example, empowering a staff member to approve standard expense reimbursements up to a certain limit lets them decide within that boundary, while the supervisor remains accountable for the process and outcomes.