According to Louis Allen, following three elements are included in the delegation of authority:
- Entrustment of responsibility
- Conferment of authority
- Creation of accountability
- These three elements act as the supports of delegation and so we get a tripod structure wherein delegation rest on these three elements.
- All the three elements are equally important and independent and yet mutually connected.
- An effective organizational structure can be formed by balancing these elements.
(A) Entrustment of responsibility:
- The duty assigned by the top level officer to the subordinates for a particular work is called entrustment of responsibility.
- Entrusting responsibility creates a relationship between superior and subordinate because the subordinate is expected to follow the orders given by the superior and also report him about the assigned work duty. Thus, assignment of responsibility flows from top to bottom level.
(B) Conferment of authority:
- By giving authority to a person, one can expect results and accomplished works.
- During delegation, the administrators should provide enough power to the ‘ sub ordinates so that they can further allot or distribute the work in various parts to the lower levels and get the work done.
- Hence delegation of authority is an important step towards allotment of power. This flows from upper to lower level.
(C) Creation of accountability: The person who has been delegated the power and work is accountable for this work to the higher authorities.
- He needs to provide proper explanation and follow reporting process to the top level management. This is known as accountability.
- The middle level authority holder cannot free himself from his responsibility of getting work done. Note that this accountability flows from lower level to upper level i.e. the lower level is accountable to the middle level and middle to upper level.
