Supervisor's Role

Leaderships, Delegation, & Supervisory

My Individual Work 1

By: Regina J. Patton

Supervision: concepts & Practices of Management, 12 Ed

Instructor: Stacey Taylor

Everest University Online

June 11th, 2014

Author Notes

Leonard, Edwin C. Jr., is Emeritus Professor of Management & Marketing. He attended the Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences at Indiana University—Purdue University, Fort Wayne (IPFW). Dr. Leonard received his bachelor, master’s, and doctorate degrees from Purdue University.

* Why are the concepts of responsibility, authority, and accountability closely related? In the process of delegation, the superior transfer his or hers duties/responsibilities to his or hers subordinate and also give necessary authority for performing the responsibilities assigned. At the same time, the superior is accountable for the performance of his or hers subordinate.

* Why can’t a supervisor’s personal accountability be delegated? I do believe you can delegate actions and decision making, just not the responsibility for the outcome of those decisions. So a supervisor is finally accountable for the final outcome of the tasks performed by its employees. It is he or she – the supervisor – who will be held responsible for whatever the good or band the employees do regarding the task assigned by the boss. Hence, the supervisor’s personal accountability can’t be delegated. Delegation is answer/key to surviving the demands of the dual role of most supervisors. However, supervisor’s can delegate prime responsibility for many of the activities within their functions.

* Why are many supervisors reluctant to delegate? Those who have move up through the ranks or levels of a company or organization may be uncomfortable or simply not used to delegating. Others may live by the words “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” And then there are some who fear delegating may mean being outshined by their employee.

* What...