Which term describes the delegation of power and authority to subordinates?

Which term describes the delegation of power and authority to subordinates?

• A. Centralization
• B. Empowerment
• C. Decentralization
• D. Conciliation

Answer: (B)

This item tests empowerment, the idea of giving people at lower levels the authority to make decisions and take action, along with the resources and information they need to do so. Empowerment means not just pushing decisions down the line, but entrusting subordinates with real power and accountability to achieve outcomes. It tends to speed up responses, boost motivation, and create a sense of ownership among staff. Centralization keeps decision power at the top, which is the opposite of delegation. Decentralization moves decision-making closer to the action, but empowerment specifically focuses on granting actual authority and autonomy to subordinates. Conciliation is unrelated, as it refers to resolving disputes rather than delegating authority.

This item tests empowerment, the idea of giving people at lower levels the authority to make decisions and take action, along with the resources and information they need to do so. Empowerment means not just pushing decisions down the line, but entrusting subordinates with real power and accountability to achieve outcomes. It tends to speed up responses, boost motivation, and create a sense of ownership among staff. Centralization keeps decision power at the top, which is the opposite of delegation. Decentralization moves decision-making closer to the action, but empowerment specifically focuses on granting actual authority and autonomy to subordinates. Conciliation is unrelated, as it refers to resolving disputes rather than delegating authority.