What are the elements of delegation?

Delegation involves three elements:

1)    Assignment of responsibility: the first step in delegation is the assignment of work or duty to the subordinate i.e. delegation of authority.

2)    Grant of Authority: the grant authority is the second element of delegation. The delegator grants authority to the subordinates so that the assigned tack is accomplished. The delegation of responsibility with authority is meaningless: The subordinates can only accomplish the work when he has the authority required for completing that task. Authority is derived from responsibility.

3)    Creation of Accountability: Accountability is the obligation of a subordinate to perform the duties assigned to accomplish the task assigned to him by the superior. When a work is assigned and authority is delegated then accountability is the by-product of this process. The authority is transferred so that a particular work is completed as desired. The subordinate should be made accountable to only one superior.