Management Functions, Part 9

Question 1: Describe effective delegation.

Answer 1: Before a project can be effectively delegated, it must be defined in detail. The manager needs to be capable of fully explaining the task to the assigned employee. Also, the manager needs to be good at delegating tasks to those employees who are skilled and experienced enough to complete them. If there is any question about the employee’s competence, the manager should be prepared to oversee the delegated task closely. Oftentimes, it is a good idea to ask the opinion of the subordinate before delegating the task. When a task is delegated, a manager should ensure that the employee has sufficient resources and time to complete it. The subordinate employee may need access to special equipment or to other employees. Regardless, the manager should check with the subordinate frequently, to see if any problems or questions have arisen.

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Question 2: Discuss decentralization in organizations.

Answer 2: In a centralized organization, almost all of the essential decisions are made by a core team of upper management. On the other hand, in a decentralized organization, much of the decision-making is delegated to subordinate employees. The appropriate structure for an organization depends on the level of knowledge and skill possessed by employees. If employees are capable of making decisions, then management would be wise to delegate decision-making and concentrate on other tasks. However, if employees are not especially knowledgeable, or if the interests of the various departments in the organization are in conflict, then important decisions should be made by senior management. Of course, many organizations successfully employ a mix of centralized and decentralized decision-making. Organizations tend to be less centralized when they are growing rapidly.

Question 3: Discuss some aspects of managerial decision-making.

Answer 3: In general, managers find that they make better decisions when they have access to more information. However, it is also important for a manager to bring creativity, experience, and knowledge to the process of decision-making. Managers often draw a distinction between tactical decisions, which relate to the short term, and strategic decisions, which relate to the longer term. A particular decision may be characterized by certainty, uncertainty, or risk. That is, the decision-maker may have all of the necessary information, little of the necessary information, or some information but no guarantee of success.

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