Delegation…

By

Mr. Karthik Aiyappa Sathyan S.K, M.Sc (N) (Psychiatry), R.OT

DELEGATION AS A MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONIntroduction• Delegation is the assignment of authority and

responsibility to another person to carry out specific activities.• The person who delegated the work remains

accountable for the outcome of the delegated work.• Delegation provides a means for increasing

productivities.• Delegation empowers a subordinate to make

decisions.

Definitions

• Delegate- “to entrust to another; to appoint as one’s representative; to assign responsibility or authority”.

• Delegation- “the act of empowering to act for another”.

• "Delegation is defined as the transfer of responsibility for the performance of a task from one person to another“.

• "Transferring to a competent individual the authority to perform a selected nursing task in a selected nursing situation . The nurse retains accountability for delegation"

• "The transfer of responsibility for the performance of an activity from individual to another while retaining accountability for the outcome". (American Nurses Association)

• Delegation is appointing a person to act on one's behalf

5 Rights to delegation (NCSBN) (The National Council of State Boards of Nursing )

NCSBN in US presents 5 rights to delegation from the perspectives of both nursing service administrator and staff nurse.• Right task• Right circumstance• Right person• Right direction/communication• Right supervision/evaluation

Define the task

Decide on the delegate

Determine the task

Reach an agreement, Monitor performance and provide feedback

Delegation Process

Strategies for effective delegating• Plan ahead• Identify necessary skill and levels• Select most capable person• Communicate goal clearly• Empower the delegate• Set deadlines and monitor progress• Model the role: provide guidance• Evaluate performance• Reward accomplishment

Successful delegation results in

• Makes work easier.• Improves efficiency.• Increases employee effectiveness.• Develops employees.• Ensures that the right people do the right jobs.

Makes work easier, Improves efficiency.

Increases employee effectiveness.

Develops employees.

Ensures that the right people do the right jobs.

Successful delegation results in

Common delegation errorsUnder delegating

Over delegating

Improperly delegating

Barriers to delegation

• The belief that “i can do it better myself”

• Lack of confidence and trust in workers

• Low self confidence, insecurity

• Vague job description

• Inadequate training

• Lack of adequate recruitment and selection

• Time involved in explaining the task

Contd…

• Reluctance to take the risks involved in depending on others.• Fear of loss of power• Subordinate resistance to delegation• Failure of the delegator to see the subordinates

perspectives

• Workload assigned are highly challenging both physically and mentally• Belief of employees that they are incapable of

completing the delegated task.• Inherent resistance to authority• Due to over delegation

Delegating to a transcultural work team• Factors which may affect delegation when dealing

with sub-ordinates from different cultural background include• Communication• Space• Social organisation• Time• Environmental control• Biological variations

Conclusion

• Delegation is the transfer of authority to perform a specific nursing task in a specific situation to a competent individual.• Delegation is the entrusting of authority, power and

responsibility to another. • When used appropriately, delegation is a vital tool

for the professional nurse and should ensure safe, competent nursing care.• Delegation and responsibility are considered closely

related concepts.

References

• Ward MJ, Price SA .Issues in nursing administration. St.Louis: Mosby;1991.

• Marquis B.L. ,Hutson C.J . Leadership roles and management functions in nursing– Theory and application. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2006.

• Douglass L M. The effective nurse- leader and manager. 5th ed. Mosby: St. Louis; 1996.

contd,…

• Morrison M. Professional skills for leadership. Mosby: US; 1993.

• Ellis J R, Hartley C L. Managing and Co-ordinating nursing care. 3rd ed. Lippincott: Philadelphia;1995.

• Basvanthappa BT. Nursing administration. New Delhi: Jaypee brothers; 2000.

• Anthony, Mary K., Theresa; Hertz, Judith .Factors Influencing Outcomes After Delegation to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel. JONA. 30(10):474-481, October 2000.

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Thank You….