Which term means authority to pass down from superior to subordinate?

Which term means authority to pass down from superior to subordinate?

• A. Delegation
• B. Empowerment
• C. Assignment
• D. Accountability

Answer: (A)

Delegation is the transfer of authority and responsibility from a manager to a subordinate to carry out tasks or make decisions, while the manager still holds overall accountability. The phrase “authority to pass down” fits this idea exactly: it’s about handing down decision-making power so work can be done efficiently and staff develop new skills. This differs from empowerment, which is broader autonomy and confidence given to employees, not just formal transfer of authority for specific tasks. Assignment is more about allocating tasks without necessarily granting decision-making power. Accountability is about being answerable for outcomes, not the act of passing down authority.

Delegation is the transfer of authority and responsibility from a manager to a subordinate to carry out tasks or make decisions, while the manager still holds overall accountability. The phrase “authority to pass down” fits this idea exactly: it’s about handing down decision-making power so work can be done efficiently and staff develop new skills.

This differs from empowerment, which is broader autonomy and confidence given to employees, not just formal transfer of authority for specific tasks. Assignment is more about allocating tasks without necessarily granting decision-making power. Accountability is about being answerable for outcomes, not the act of passing down authority.