Delegation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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delegation

[ˌdɛlɪˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in business

The act of delegating or the state of being delegated. Delegation involves giving authority to someone else to act on your behalf, typically in a work setting. It is a key aspect of effective management, as it allows tasks to be distributed among team members based on their skills and expertise.

Synonyms

assignment, empowerment, entrusting.

Examples of usage

  • Delegation is essential for a manager to focus on strategic decision-making.
  • She excelled at delegation, assigning tasks to team members with precision and trust.
Context #2 | Noun

in politics

A group of people chosen to represent others in a formal way, typically in a political context. Delegation in politics often involves the selection of individuals to attend conferences, meetings, or negotiations on behalf of a larger group or organization.

Synonyms

ambassadors, delegates, representatives.

Examples of usage

  • The delegation from the United Nations presented their findings to the Security Council.
  • The delegation of senators met with foreign diplomats to discuss trade agreements.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

  • Effective delegation can enhance workplace efficiency by allowing team members to use their strengths.
  • Poor delegation can lead to confusion and burnout, making it crucial for leaders to communicate expectations clearly.
  • The ability to delegate is often cited as a key trait of successful managers and leaders.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that delegating tasks can reduce stress and improve overall mental health for leaders.
  • People who delegate effectively often have higher levels of trust in their team members, leading to better collaboration.

Education

  • In educational settings, teachers can use delegation to empower students by giving them roles in group projects.
  • Delegation in classrooms helps develop leadership and responsibility skills among students.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of delegation has been showcased in numerous films and TV shows, emphasizing teamwork in solving problems.
  • Popular business books frequently highlight delegation as a strategy for successful entrepreneurship.

Origin of 'delegation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'delegation' comes from the Latin term 'delegare', meaning 'to send for a purpose'.
  • In the late 14th century, 'delegation' began being used in English to describe a group of people sent to represent others.

The word 'delegation' originated from the Latin word 'delegare', which means 'to send off'. The concept of delegation has been essential in various aspects of human society, from ancient civilizations to modern organizations. Throughout history, delegation has been a fundamental component of leadership and governance, allowing for the efficient distribution of tasks and responsibilities.


See also: delegate, delegated, delegates, delegating.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,167 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.