Page 40 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Unit 2: Library Authority and Communities

A manager avoids delegation as he feels that something may go wrong even when the Notes
instructions given are clear and the subordinates are reliable.

Desire to dominate subordinates: Managers (Superiors) normally, have a desire to dominate
the subordinates functioning under their control. They feel that their domination will
reduce if the powers are delegated to subordinates. They also feel that due to delegation,
the subordinates will know their managerial deficiencies. In order to maintain their
superior status and in order to dominate the subordinates, they avoid delegation itself.

Obstacles / Barriers on the Part of Subordinates (Why Subordinates Resist
Delegation?)

These are discussed as follows:

Too much dependence on the manager for decisions: Some subordinates avoid responsibility
even when the superior/manager is prepared to delegate authority. They want the manager
to tackle problems and take decisions. A subordinate who is not confident about his
performance/ability will certainly try to shirk responsibility even though his superior is
prepared to delegate functions and authority.
Fear of criticism: Subordinates express unwillingness to accept delegated authority because
of the fear of criticism in the case of mistakes. They fear that they may be criticized by
others if they commit mistakes. Such subordinates have the following feeling in their
mind, “Why should I stick my neck out for my boss?”
Lack of information: A subordinate may hesitate to accept a new assignment, when he
knows that necessary information to perform the job is not likely to be made available to
him. He is reluctant to accept delegated functions and authority as he feels that he will not
be able to perform well due to inadequate information available.
Absence of positive incentives: Positive incentives like recognition of work and rewards
go a long way in building up the morale of subordinates. In the absence of such incentives
in the form of recognition, appreciation or monetary benefit, a subordinate may not be
prepared to accept delegation of authority.
Absence of self-confidence: A subordinate may lack self-confidence about his ability to
take quick and correct decisions. He may not like to accept new challenging functions as
he lacks self-confidence. Thus, lack of self-confidence on the part of subordinates is one
obstacle which comes in the way of delegation of authority.
Difficulty in decision-making: A subordinate may not have the skill and the expertise to
take quick and correct decisions. He prefers to go to his superior (boss) and ask for his
guidance or opinion. Such psychology acts as a cause for non-acceptance of delegation.
A subordinate avoids delegation due to such mental tension or inferiority complex.

Poor superior-subordinate relations: Absence of cordial relations in between the superior
and the subordinates hampers the process of delegation of authority. The attitude of the
superior towards subordinate may not be friendly but hostile. There may be undue
interference in the work assigned to the subordinate. Even the good work of subordinate
may not be appreciated by the superior. Such situation creates unfavourable attitude of
subordinate towards delegation. He avoids delegation as and when offered.
Undue interference by superior: A superior should not interfere in the duties delegated to
the subordinate. He may offer guidance as and when asked for. Some superiors interfere
in the work of his subordinate and try to control him often and again. In the absence of

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 35