How managers in my organization delegate as part of their management responsibilities.

Abstract

I will explain how managers in my organization delegate as part of their management responsibilities, and how delegation could be used more effectively in planning, organizing, leading, or controlling. I will also summarize what skills are necessary for effective delegation.

Introduction

The definition of delegation is "give an assignment to (a person) a post, or assign a task to (a person)". It may seem peculiar to be talking about delegation of responsibilities in a high-tech environment where catch phrases such as "self-starter," "self-motivated," and "must be capable of working under no supervision" often appear in job descriptions; but, it is true. My paper will go more into detail about delegation in the workplace.

Managers in my organization delegate on a daily basis. Because we are in a world of cost cutting and always trying to compete. Management jobs are less then they should be. Therefore managers or supervisors are always delegating tasks to subordinates to try to accomplish company objectives, and to meet customer deadlines.

Microsoft Project 2000, showing a Gantt chart

English: Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin

Open Project Manager screenshot - tasks

Here are some examples: In the Replication area we have one manager with four twelve-hour shifts. The Replication area works 24/7 and there is always something going on. The area manager tells me that he sometimes delegates attendance duties, task assignment, production scheduling, cost analysis reports, and follow-up on orders that are complete. Why so much delegation? I asked, manager responded, "Not enough management to run the floor and keep an eye on things." I asked the manager, "Who is accountable for what goes on (or doesn't go on) in their department?" he responded, "If subordinates make mistakes because they have not been taught, the manager is accountable. If subordinates make mistakes because of an overload of "meaningful" responsibilities delegated to them, they are not to blame."

In the Duplication Department we have one...