Question

Differentiate between ‘Delegation’ and ‘Decentralisation’ on any four bases.

Accepted Answer

Differences between Delegation and Decentralisaton: Basis Delegation Decentralisation Nature Delegation is a compulsory act because no individual can perform all tasks on his own. Decentralisation is an optional policy decision. It is done at the discretion of the top management. Freedom of action There is more control by superiors hence less freedom to take own decisions. There is less control over executives, hence greater freedom of action. Status It is a process followed to share It is the result of the policy decision of tasks. the top management. Scope It has narrow scope as it is limited to superior and his immediate subordinate. It has wide scope as it implies extension of delegation to the lowest level of management. Purpose The purpose is to lessen the burden of the manager. The purpose is to increase the role of the subordinates in the organisation by giving them more autonomy.

Marking-scheme solution

More from Organising

Basis	Delegation	Decentralisation
Nature	Delegation is a compulsory act because no individual can perform all tasks on his own.	Decentralisation is an optional policy decision. It is done at the discretion of the top management.
Freedom of action	There is more control by superiors hence less freedom to take own decisions.	There is less control over executives, hence greater freedom of action.
Status	It is a process followed to share	It is the result of the policy decision of
	tasks.	the top management.
Scope	It has narrow scope as it is limited to superior and his immediate subordinate.	It has wide scope as it implies extension of delegation to the lowest level of management.
Purpose	The purpose is to lessen the burden of the manager.	The purpose is to increase the role of the subordinates in the organisation by giving them more autonomy.