For effective delegation, the authority granted must be commensurate with the assigned __________
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Responsibility
Option (1) Structure — Incorrect. Structure is the framework of the whole organisation. It is not an element of delegation.
Option (2) Powers — Incorrect. Powers are the same thing as authority. Authority cannot be matched with itself.
Option (3) Responsibility — Correct. Authority is the right to give orders and take decisions. Responsibility is the duty to do the job assigned. The two must be in balance. With more authority than responsibility, a person may misuse it. With more responsibility than authority, he cannot do the job well.
Option (4) Accountability — Incorrect. Accountability means answering to the superior for the result. It follows from responsibility and cannot be delegated. The balance needed in delegation is between authority and responsibility.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Responsibility: … An important consideration to be kept in view with respect to both authority and responsibility is that when an employee is given responsibility for a job he must also be given the degree of authority necessary to carry it out. Thus, for effective delegation the authority granted must be commensurate with the assigned responsibility. If authority granted is more than responsibility, it may lead to misuse of authority, and if responsibility assigned is more than authority it may make a person ineffective.” |