Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Practice Test

What is meant by 'delegation of authority'?

1. Distributing tasks evenly among workers

2. Granting subordinates the right to act or decide based on competence

3. Allowing managers to oversee a large number of employees

4. Sharing decision-making responsibilities among all staff

The correct answer is: Granting subordinates the right to act or decide based on competence

The concept of 'delegation of authority' refers to the process by which a manager or leader assigns specific tasks or responsibilities to subordinates while also granting them the right to make decisions within that scope. This practice is fundamental in organizational settings, as it empowers employees to take ownership of their roles and utilize their competence in decision-making. When authority is delegated, it allows subordinates to operate more independently and can lead to increased efficiency as they are better positioned to make decisions based on their knowledge and expertise. This approach fosters a sense of trust and promotes professional development, as employees gain valuable experience in handling responsibilities that may one day lead them to higher leadership positions. In contrast, simply distributing tasks evenly among workers does not inherently involve granting the authority to make decisions, which limits the potential benefits of delegation. Allowing managers to oversee a large number of employees focuses more on management structure rather than empowering subordinates. Lastly, sharing decision-making responsibilities among all staff is more collaborative in nature and does not emphasize the clear delegation of authority to specific individuals, which can lead to confusion and inefficiency in decision-making.