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   krishna-agrawala Teacher
   Graduate School

   eNotes Editor

   Barriers to delegation of authority from subordinate side would mean, the difficulties or problems faced by subordinate in accepting and using the authority delegated. These barriers include the following.

   • Authority delegated in theory, but means of exercising the authority not made available. For example, a subordinate may be delegated the authority to buy computer required in his department, but the purchase department drags feet on actually buying the computer. The worst case of this type may happen when, for example, a project manager is given considerable authority for executing a project, but the project itself is not sanctioned.
   • The subordinate may not have authority over some of the people who must contribute to implementation of decisions made.
   • Required information for making decision may not be available. Many a times other supporting facilities like staff and office space may also be inadequate.
   • The subordinate may be already overburdened with work.
   • When a subordinate id delegated authority which elevates his position above those equal or senior to him this may be resented by them.
   • Subordinate may lack the skill and knowledge for effective decision making.
   • Limits of authority delegated not defined clearly. Generally delegation of authority with supposedly no limits is not very effective.
   • The subordinate has no motivation for accepting the additional responsibility that goes with the authority.
   • Authority delegated without matching responsibilities. This can make delegation directionless for the subordinate.

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   Posted by krishna-agrawala on Tuesday November 3, 2009 at 11:24 AM