I have heard the phrases “dereliction of duty” and “upward delegation” being used with a measure of scorn.

From the outset, I would like to state that dereliction of duty or upward delegation comes to me with a sense of negativity for the simple reason that when done knowingly and willfully, amounts to total disregard for responsibility, accountability and authority as the case may be. Broadly, such conduct may equal unethical conduct.

Here are some of the factors that I propose influence this willful negative behaviour:

1. Laziness – individuals or groups that have a tendency to be free riders in organizations will use any opportunity to transfer their responsibilities to others by not acting or inordinately passing the buck to a higher organ.

2. Business with everything but your responsibility – preoccupation with things unconnected to what one should be primarily doing causes them to find quick solutions and the easiest is seemingly, getting away with doing nothing towards the task.

3. Uninspiring reliance on seniors – While high regard for the acumen and expertise of one’s seniors is a good thing, failure to apply diligence due to confidence that the senior will pass a fine-tooth comb through one’s work before endorsing it, is negligence of duty to fully apply oneself to the task.

4. Selfishness – It is my proposition that actors who engage in dereliction of duty or upward delegation can be characterized as selfish because of their belief that they are more entitled to free time than anyone else. That’s not only selfish but lack of empathy and consideration.

This is the harsh reality of how we may be seen by others if we engage in the behaviors I have alluded to above.

We can make the world better by behaving better!