Features of delegation of authority
Delegation is authorization to a manager to act in a certain manner. The degree of delegation prescribed the limits within which a manager has to decide the move things. Since formal authority originates at the top level, it is distributed throughout the organization through delegation and red legation. Delegation has dual characteristics. As a result of delegation, the subordinate receives authority from his superior, but at the same time, his superior will retains all his original authority. Terry comments on his phenomenon like this. it is something like impairing knowledge. You share with others who then process the knowledge but you still retain the knowledge too. Authority once delegated can be enhanced reduced or withdrawn depending on the situation and requirement. For example change in organization structure policy procedure methods etc. may require change in the degree of delegation of authority. Delegation of authority is always to the position created through the process of organizing. The individual occupying a position may exercise the authority so long as he holds the position. Therefore the authority is recovered fully from the individual when he moves from the particular position. A manager delegates authority vesting in him. He cannot delegate which he himself does not delegates his full authority because if he delegates all his authority he cannot work. Delegation of authority may be specific when courses of action for particular objectives are specified though objectives may be specified.