Page 42 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Unit 2: Library Authority and Communities

Unity of Command: This principle of delegation suggests that everyone should have only Notes
one boss. A subordinate should get orders and instructions from one superior and should
be made accountable to one superior only. This means ‘no subordinate should be held
accountable to more than one superior’. When a subordinate is asked to report to more
than one boss, it leads to confusion and conflict. Unity of command also removes
overlapping and duplication of work. In the absence of unity of command, there will be
confusion and difficulty in fixing accountability.

The Scalar Principle: The scalar principle of delegation maintains that there should be
clear and direct lines of authority in the Organisation, running from the top to the bottom.
The subordinate should know who delegates authority to him and to whom he should
contact for matters beyond his authority. They (subordinates) should also know what is
expected from them. This principle justifies establishment of the hierarchical structure
within the organisation.

Clarity of Delegation: The principle of clarity of delegation suggests that while delegating
authority to subordinates, they should be made to understand the limits of authority so
that they know the area of their operation and the extent of freedom of action available to
them. Such clarity guides subordinates while performing their jobs.
Absoluteness of Responsibility: This principle of delegation suggests that it is only the
authority which is delegated and not the responsibility. The responsibility is absolute and
remains with the superior. He cannot run away from the same even after delegation. Even
when the manager delegates authority to his subordinate, he remains fully accountable to
his superiors because responsibility cannot be divided between a superior and his
subordinate. No superior can delegate responsibilities for the acts of his subordinates. He
is responsible for the acts and omissions of his subordinates.
Use of Exception Principle: This principle of delegation indicates that when authority is
delegated, it is expected that the subordinate will exercise his own judgment and take
decisions within the purview of his authority. He is to be given adequate freedom to
operate within his authority even at the cost of mistakes. He should refer the problems to
the top level management only when he is unable to take decisions. Unnecessary
interference in the work of delegates should be avoided. This normal rule can be given up
under exceptional circumstances. Here, the superior can interfere in the work of his
subordinate and even withdraw the delegated duties and authority. The superior takes
this decision under exceptional circumstances.

Completeness of Delegation: This principle of delegation suggests that there should be
completeness in the process of delegation. The process of delegation should be taken to its
logical end. Otherwise, there will be confusion of authority and accountability.
Effective Communication Support System: This principle suggests that there should be
continuous flow of information between the superior and the subordinates with a view to
furnishing relevant information to subordinate for decision-making. This helps him to
take proper decisions and also to interpret properly the authority delegated to him.
Delegation system may not work smoothly in the absence of effective communication
between the superior and subordinates.
Reward for Effective Delegation: This principle suggests that effective delegation and
successful assumption of authority should be rewarded. This will facilitate fuller delegation
and effective assumption of authority within the Organisation. Reward for effective
delegation will provide favourable environmental climate for its fair introduction.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 37