DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY AS A TOOL FOR MAXIMIZING ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE (A STUDY OF SELECTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS

Abstract

Generally, delegation of authority has not been considered a paramount and efficient instrument in organizational administration in Nigeria as much as it is in North American and European Organizations where authority decentralization and delegation is regarded as a necessary element for effective management. Specifically, this study examined the significant effect of delegation of authority on organizational efficiency. The study also ascertained the significant impact of delegation of authority on organizational effectiveness and productivity. The study adopted descriptive and explanatory research designs. This research relied on field survey method through administering questionnaire to the respondents. The relationship between delegation and subordinate performance were examined in a field study conducted in selected manufacturing firms within Enugu metropolis. A t-test statistics was used to test the two hypotheses. The results revealed that there is a significant impact between delegation of authority and efficiency at selected manufacturing firms. This impact and factors behind it affects employee performance as well. The result also indicated that there is a significant impact between delegation of authority and effectiveness/productivity at selected manufacturing firms. This also portrays the level of influence delegation of authority has on employees individually. The study concluded that effective delegation gives subordinates the chance to incorporate their values in the work environment and, in many cases, to undertake activities of special interest to them. By increasing employees’ involvement in the organization, the management boosts their enthusiasm for their work. Consequently, delegation of authority provides employees with an opportunity to invest something of themselves in their job giving them a feeling of involvement in the work as well as its results. Delegation of authority therefore enhances employee’s sense of accomplishment, as it is more rewarding to be able to congratulate oneself for a task that is well planned and executed.