Which principle is involved when a manager delegates responsibility for completion of a task from beginning to end?

Which principle is involved when a manager delegates responsibility for completion of a task from beginning to end?

• A. Whole task
• B. Autonomy
• C. Skill variety
• D. Significant work

Answer: (A)

The situation describes giving one person responsibility for an entire task from start to finish, which is the Whole task approach. By handling the whole cycle—planning, executing, and delivering the result—the worker develops a clear sense of ownership and accountability for the outcome. This end-to-end responsibility reduces handoffs, speeds feedback, and often boosts motivation because the employee can see the complete impact of their work. Autonomy is about freedom in how to perform the work, which can accompany end-to-end tasks but isn’t the defining feature here. Skill variety refers to using a range of skills within a job, not specifically about ownership of a complete task. Significant work concerns the importance or meaningfulness of the task, not the scope of responsibility from beginning to end.

The situation describes giving one person responsibility for an entire task from start to finish, which is the Whole task approach. By handling the whole cycle—planning, executing, and delivering the result—the worker develops a clear sense of ownership and accountability for the outcome. This end-to-end responsibility reduces handoffs, speeds feedback, and often boosts motivation because the employee can see the complete impact of their work.

Autonomy is about freedom in how to perform the work, which can accompany end-to-end tasks but isn’t the defining feature here. Skill variety refers to using a range of skills within a job, not specifically about ownership of a complete task. Significant work concerns the importance or meaningfulness of the task, not the scope of responsibility from beginning to end.