What is the term for the process of distributing work duties and decision-making authority to others?

The term for the process of distributing work duties and decision-making authority to others is delegation. In a professional context, delegation involves assigning tasks to team members while ensuring that they have the necessary authority to execute those tasks effectively. This process not only helps to manage workload but also empowers employees by involving them in decision-making and giving them ownership of their responsibilities.

Effective delegation helps in building trust within a team as it shows confidence in the abilities of team members. It also encourages skill development and professional growth as individuals take on new challenges and responsibilities. Good delegation is critical for enhancing efficiency and productivity in an organization, allowing leaders to focus on higher-level tasks and strategic planning.

Accountability, while related to delegation, refers to the responsibility of individuals to answer for their performance and outcomes. Coaching is a process designed to improve skills and performance through support and guidance, rather than distributing authority. Communication refers to the exchange of information and has an essential role in managing tasks and responsibilities, but it does not specifically denote the act of distributing duties and authority as delegation does.