Delegation and Decentralisation seem to be identical terms. But they are not identical terms. They differ from each other in many respects. The main differences between them are:
- Delegation is a process or act whereas decentralisation is the end result of delegation.
- Delegation refers to the relati6nship between two individuals, viz., a superior and his immediate subordinate. But decentralisation refers to the relationship between the top management and the various divisions departments of the organisation.
- Delegation is quite essential in the management process, as no manager can get things done through his subordinates unless he delegates to them the requisite authority for the performance of the work assigned. But decentralisation is optional (i.e., it mayor not be resorted to by the management).
- In the case of delegation, only authority is delegated, and responsibility is not delegated. But in the case of decentralisation, even the responsibility is delegated (i.e., the superior is relieved of his responsibility for the work decentralised.
- In the delegation, the control over the subordinate’s performance of the job rests entirely with the delegator (i.e., the superior who has delegated the authority). On the other hand, in the case of decentralisation, the top management may exercise the minimum control in a broad way and delegate even the power to control to the divisions or the departments concerned.
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