What is Authority and Responsibility Principle?
Authority and responsibility are two important tools of management yet they are dependent and related to each other.
At the core of this principle is that there should be a reasonable balance between given authority and responsibility.
Authority is the power that can be used to command, make decisions, and get work done through others (subordinates).
Managers have the inherent power to command employees for the completion of organizational tasks.
Through authority, managers control their employees and make organizational decisions.
And, responsibility means some duty to perform and being responsible for one’s actions and decisions.
When duties are given employees are responsible for completing them on time and in an efficient way.
The authority and responsibility principle of management stands on two views:
- Responsibility or duty can not be performed well if a person is not given desirable authority to make relevant decisions.
- Having excess authority only without proper responsibilities can lead to misuse of authority.
It is obvious that different decisions are made and tasks are assigned to employees in the organization.
While assigning the required work the manager must give adequate power to subordinates to discharge the work with great ease and efficiency.
This principle of management describes that the authority should follow with responsibility.
An employee who exercises authority must assume responsibility and without enough authority, no one can perform the duty.
Responsibility without authority can not be achieved effectively and efficiently. Similarly, authority without responsibility may be abused.
Thus, the principle of authority and responsibility states that when there is authority there must be responsibility, and when there is responsibility there must be authority and there must be a balance between them in the workplace for smooth functioning.
Advantages of Authority and Responsibility Principle
The advantages of the authority and responsibility principle of management can be mentioned below:
Efficient Completion of Work
By clearly defining authority and responsibility, tasks are completed efficiently.
Each team member knows their duties and the extent of their decision-making power, reducing delays and confusion.
Promotes Accountability
This principle ensures that every individual is accountable for their actions and decisions.
It builds a culture of ownership, where team members take responsibility for their assigned tasks.
Optimal Use of Authority and Responsibility
The proper delegation of authority and allocation of responsibility leads to balanced decision-making and execution.
This ensures that resources, including human efforts, are utilized effectively.
Achievement of Organizational Goals
When authority and responsibility align, employees work cohesively toward organizational objectives.
This systematic approach ensures smoother operations and the attainment of goals.
Employee Motivation
Delegating reasonable authority to employees empowers them to make decisions.
This autonomy fosters a sense of trust, motivating subordinates to perform their duties with enthusiasm and efficiency.
Read Also: Discipline Principle of Management
Results of Avoiding Authority and Responsibility Principle
Organizations may have certain negative consequences when they avoid this management principle:
Misuse of Authority
When the principle of authority and responsibility is neglected, individuals with authority may misuse their power.
This happens when authority is granted without corresponding accountability.
Such misuse can lead to unfair decisions, biased practices, and unethical behavior, ultimately damaging the organization’s culture and reputation.
Lack of Accountability
Avoiding this principle creates ambiguity regarding who is responsible for specific tasks or decisions.
In such a scenario, no one takes ownership of mistakes or failures, resulting in unproductive blame games and inefficient problem-solving.
Accountability is crucial for maintaining transparency and driving improvement within the organization.
Increased Conflicts
Without a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, confusion and misunderstandings often arise among team members.
This lack of clarity can lead to workplace conflicts, strained relationships, and decreased teamwork, which hinders overall productivity.
Restricted Achievement of Goals and Objectives
When authority and responsibility are not aligned, employees may lack direction or face challenges in executing tasks.
This misalignment causes delays, inefficiencies, and a lack of focus on organizational priorities, ultimately restricting the achievement of desired goals and objectives.
Read Next: 3 Levels of Management
Joshep Mahesh holds Bachelor in Management (BiM) Degree. He loves to share his business knowledge in his free time.