In this error spotting question, read the sentence and identify the part that contains an error. The sentence is: "Delegation is the transfer of authority through superior to subordinate at different levels in an organized sector."

Introduction / Context:
This question checks understanding of prepositions in the context of management and organisational theory. Delegation refers to passing authority along the hierarchy, and the sentence aims to define it. The incorrect use of a preposition in one segment spoils the definition. Your job is to identify this incorrect segment.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: "Delegation is the transfer of authority through superior to subordinate at different levels in an organized sector."
• Segments:
  • A: Delegation is the transfer of
  • B: Authority through superior to subordinate
  • C: At different levels D. In an organized sector
  • D: No error
• The intended meaning is that authority moves from a superior to a subordinate.

Concept / Approach:
When we speak about the movement of something from one person to another, we normally use the preposition "from", not "through". The correct phrase in management language is "transfer of authority from superior to subordinate". The word "through" suggests movement by means of something, which does not fit well here. Therefore, the error lies in the segment that uses "through superior to subordinate".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read segment A: "Delegation is the transfer of". This correctly introduces a definition and is grammatically sound. Step 2: Read segment B: "authority through superior to subordinate". The preposition "through" does not match the idea of transfer between two parties. Step 3: Recognise that we normally say "from superior to subordinate" when defining delegation. Step 4: Segments in C are awkwardly written but essentially attempt to say "at different levels in an organized sector", which is acceptable as a phrase describing where delegation takes place. Step 5: Conclude that the wrong preposition "through" is the main error and that segment B is therefore incorrect.

Verification / Alternative check:
Construct the corrected sentence: "Delegation is the transfer of authority from superior to subordinate at different levels in an organized sector." This version clearly describes the movement of authority in a hierarchy and uses the correct preposition "from". If we keep "through", the phrase "authority through superior to subordinate" is at best unclear and at worst grammatically wrong. None of the other segments contains such a clear preposition error.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Segment A has a correct structure for a definition and no grammatical issue.

Segment C, despite slightly awkward punctuation in the original text, aims to say that delegation occurs "at different levels in an organized sector", which is acceptable English.

Segment D "No error" is incorrect because we have already identified a definite error in segment B.

Common Pitfalls:
Exam takers sometimes accept the word "through" because they associate it generally with movement. However, preposition choice in English is very specific. "From superior to subordinate" is a standard phrase in management textbooks. When dealing with definitions, always think about how the term is used in standard reference books and check whether the preposition matches that usage.

Final Answer:
The incorrect segment is "Authority through superior to subordinate", which should be "authority from superior to subordinate", so option B is correct.