Which of the following statements is true regarding delegation in management?

The statement that authority cannot be delegated, only responsibility, accurately reflects a key principle of management. In effective management, while a manager may delegate tasks and assign specific responsibilities to team members, the ultimate authority remains with the manager. This means that while tasks can be performed by others, the accountability for those tasks and the final decision-making authority does not fully transfer. The manager must maintain oversight to ensure that the delegated responsibilities are completed satisfactorily and align with organizational objectives.

Managers should empower their teams by assigning responsibilities, allowing team members to take ownership of certain tasks. However, it’s essential for the manager to retain overall authority to provide guidance, make critical decisions, and ensure accountability within the team. Maintaining this structure helps organization and efficiency within the fire department or any management setting.