Discuss why one of the major complaints of subordinates regarding delegation is the issue of dumping. Offer an example of a personal experience or observation of dumping taking place.
Delegation may be the reassignment of responsibilities to other members of staff within an organization. Managers will regularly delegate assigned tasks to lighten his/her work load and free-up time to permit them to focus on further important intentions or to have the ability to use their time more efficiently(Pearce, 2007). These responsibilities may also be delegated in the event that the managers may not be present from work for some time. Delegation reduces work loads and also motivates employees; however, the issue of dumping may be one of the major complaints of subordinates as regards to delegation of duties.
Managers delegate tasks that may be too cumbersome or demeaning to junior employees who may be very busy doing other tasks delegated to them (Fred, 2008). They struggle hard to do what is delegated to them but nevertheless, they become conscious that managers may be basically “flogging a willing horse”. Some managers use the ‘strengths’ excuse to avoid prickly performance discussions with their employees. For instance, a manager may lament "Everyone recognizes that James may be difficult to work with and shirks his responsibilities. So John, work on these files to avoid complaints by the customers.
In a nutshell, dumping mundane tasks such as administration and paperwork on others for the reason that it may be strength may sprout complaints assigned those tasks. For instance, "Anne, you're good at using the fax machine, making the office coffee, or even cleaning out the pot. Will you mind? I'm never good with that type of stuff." The delegation of duties ought not to have negative impacts on subordinates; but, ought to focus on strengths.
References
Fred, L., (2008). Organizational Behavior, (11th Ed). McGraw Hill Irwin: New York. Print.
Pearce, C. (2007). Leadership resources. Ten steps to effective delegation. Nursing Management
– UK, 13(8), 19. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from the EBSCOhost Database.
