Statement 1: delegate as much work-related authority as possible so that motivated subordinates can develop professionally; Statement 2: total responsibility can be delegated, but authority cannot; Statement 3: delegate authority to match the level of responsibility. Which are true?

• A. All three statements are true
• B. Statement 1 and 3 are true; statement 2 is false
• C. Statement 1 is true; statements 2 are false
• D. Statement 1 and 2 are true; statement 3 is false

Answer: (B)

Delegation centers on empowering others by giving them the authority they need to handle their responsibilities, while you keep overall accountability for the outcomes.

Giving as much work-related authority as possible supports motivation and professional growth, because people learn by taking ownership and making decisions within clear boundaries. The focus is on enabling them to act effectively, not just on handing over tasks.

Pairing authority with responsibility is essential: you should allocate authority that matches the level of responsibility you assign. When someone is responsible for a task, they must have the decision-making power and resources to complete it. This alignment reduces bottlenecks and prevents frustration from having to seek constant approvals.

You cannot delegate total responsibility while somehow keeping no accountability, or claim that responsibility can be fully transferred without also transferring appropriate authority. Accountability remains with the manager, and you provide the necessary authority to the subordinate to meet the responsibility. That’s why the statement about delegating total responsibility but not authority is false.

So, statements about empowering through delegated authority to develop subordinates and about matching authority to responsibility are true; the idea that total responsibility can be delegated (without giving corresponding authority) is not correct.