Question from a reader:
Could you provide a clear explanation of command delegation with specific examples? Also, it would be helpful if you could explain the difference from free delegation.

Deepening Understanding of Command Delegation

Many people may have heard the term command delegation, but I will explain what it specifically entails with actual examples for clarity. I will also touch
on the differences from free delegation, so please stay with me.

What is Command Delegation?

Command delegation refers to a legal act in which one person (the delegator) grants another person (the delegatee) the authority to perform specific tasks. In this case, the delegatee must act according to the instructions of the delegator. Simply put, it is when the delegator instructs the delegatee, “Please do this.” For example, let’s say you are running a company. When a new project starts, you tell your subordinate, “I am entrusting you with the progress of this project. But please follow my instructions.” In this case, you are the delegator, and your subordinate is the delegatee, establishing command delegation.

Specific Example

Here, I will provide a specific example of command delegation. For instance, suppose the owner of a restaurant asks the head chef, “Please change the menu for this month and add three new dishes. However, make sure to base it on the ideas I have thought of and follow my instructions.” In this case, the head chef will create a new menu while following the owner’s instructions. However, if the owner said to the head chef, “Try to come up with new dishes using your creativity. I have no specific instructions,” this would be free delegation. Thus, while command delegation requires the delegatee to act according to instructions, free delegation grants the delegatee the freedom to exercise discretion.

Differences from Free Delegation

Now, let’s take a closer look at the differences from free delegation. Free delegation, as the name suggests, allows the delegatee a certain degree of freedom. The delegatee can perform tasks without specific instructions from the delegator and can act based on their own judgment. To clarify this difference, let’s consider another specific example.

Example of Command Delegation

– When the owner instructs the head chef, “Decide on this week’s special menu and make it using the ingredients I specified.” In this case, the head chef must follow the owner’s instructions and has no freedom. All decisions are made by the delegator, the owner.

Example of Free Delegation

– When the owner tells the head chef, “Use your experience and sense to create a special menu. I will listen to your opinions later.” In this case, the head chef can freely come up with the menu based on their own judgment and is released from the delegator’s instructions. This is a case where the delegatee’s judgment is respected.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Command Delegation

Command delegation has several advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at its characteristics.

Advantages

1. Clear instructions: Since the delegator gives specific instructions, the delegatee clearly understands what they need to do. 2. Clarification of responsibility: It is clear who does what, making the responsibility for tasks well-defined.

Disadvantages

1. Limited freedom for the delegatee: There is little room for the delegatee to utilize their own ideas and creativity, which can lead to dissatisfaction. 2. Increased burden on the delegator: The need to give detailed instructions can increase the burden on the delegator.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Delegation

Free delegation also has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

1. Expression of creativity: The delegatee can utilize their own ideas and experiences, allowing for creative work. 2. Reduced burden: The delegator does not need to give detailed instructions, which lightens their workload.

Disadvantages

1. Lack of clarity in direction: Since the delegatee makes decisions freely, there is a higher possibility that the results may differ from what the delegator expects. 2. Ambiguity in responsibility: It may be unclear who performed the tasks and how, leading to ambiguity in accountability.

Conclusion

I have explained the differences between command delegation and free delegation with specific examples. Command delegation involves following the delegator’s instructions, while free delegation grants the delegatee discretionary freedom. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose between them according to the situation. Personally, I often differentiate between these two forms of delegation in the business field, and I believe that choosing based on the delegatee’s abilities and experiences is key to success. Sometimes, ideas or solutions that you never thought of can emerge. Finally, I hope to provide you with tips on how to effectively utilize command delegation and free delegation to achieve better results. I encourage you all to master these two concepts according to your circumstances!