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JOURNAL OF LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY AND ETHICS
Delegation, Authority and Responsibility: Removing the Rhetorical
Obstructions in the Way of an Old Paradigm
Author(s): Reginald L. Bell, Nancy Dusty Bodie
Citation: Reginald L. Bell, Nancy Dusty Bodie, (2012) "Delegation, Authority and Responsibility: Removing the Rhetorical
Obstructions in the Way of an Old Paradigm," Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, Vol. 9, Iss. 2, pp. 94 - 108
Article Type: Research paper
Publisher: North American Business Press
Abstract:
This study examined 14 articles in trade publications and professional journals, published between 1985
and 2010, that specifically addressed the management practice of “delegating authority.” The goal was
to determine if there are meaningful changes in the advice authors gave their readers over the years or, if
similarities in their prescriptions persisted. Findings show that authors provided a plethora of advice to
their audiences on delegating authority. Furthermore, findings show that there are five key similarities in
the semantics on delegating authority which authors used. In advising their readers on the topic of
delegating authority, the authors prescribed that: 1) a process occurs in steps or stages; 2) results will
contribute to greater organizational benefits; 3) selection of the ideal person who can accomplish a task
is essential; 4) transferable authority, task specificity and trust are crucial; and 5) good communication
between delegator and “delegatee” is essential. A four stage reconfiguration of the delegation process is
presented.
