What does reverse delegation involve in a supervisory context?

In a supervisory context, reverse delegation occurs when a supervisor accepts responsibility for a task that rightfully belongs to a subordinate. This situation often arises when a supervisor steps in to manage a task that an employee should be handling, which can undermine the employee’s authority and development. By taking over, the supervisor may inadvertently signal to the subordinate that they are not capable of completing the task independently, potentially affecting their confidence and growth within the role. Understanding reverse delegation is critical for effective management, as it is essential for supervisors to maintain clear boundaries of responsibility and accountability while fostering the skills of their subordinates.