Question

'Authority' and 'responsibility' are two important elements of delegation of authority. Explain.

Answer 1

Authority: It refers to the right of an individual to take decisions and to command his subordinates, by virtue of his position. It is highest at the top and declines as we move down the hierarchy. Thus, it flows from top to bottom.

Responsibility: It is the obligation of a subordinate to perform the assigned duty, by virtue of the delegated authority. It flows upwards i.e. a subordinate is always responsible for his superior. Granting authority is necessary to create responsibility.