Which of the following characteristics may you delegate?

Delegating authority is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership and management. When you are in a position of leadership, part of your role is to empower others to make decisions and take actions on your behalf, which is what delegating authority entails. This allows for better task execution, efficient workflow, and the development of subordinates’ skills and confidence.

Authority encompasses the power to make decisions and enforce rules, which can be assigned to others to facilitate operations. By delegating authority, leaders enable team members to act within specified guidelines and make judgments that help accomplish organizational objectives.

Responsibility, on the other hand, cannot be delegated; it's the obligation to complete a task or duty that remains with the individual who has been assigned that task. Accountability also remains with the person who has been assigned the job, ensuring they are answerable for the outcomes. Discretion, which refers to the freedom to make choices based on judgment, may be influenced by delegation but is generally tied to the authority held by the individual in the position.

Thus, when considering the characteristics that can be delegated effectively, authority is the correct answer, as it directly supports delegation of power while maintaining the structure and accountability necessary in leadership roles.