Deputation vs. Secondment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
Deputation is when an employee is temporarily assigned to another position within the same organization or a different one, while Secondment refers to a temporary movement of an employee to another department or organization.
Difference Between Deputation and Secondment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Deputation refers to the assignment of an employee to a temporary position, often within a different organization or department. Secondment, however, generally implies the temporary transfer of an employee, typically within the same organization for a special project or purpose. Both terms denote temporary reassignment, but the context and nuances differ slightly.
In Deputation, the employee often retains a link to the original organization and may continue to receive benefits and remuneration from the original employer. Secondment usually involves a temporary shift of an employee to work in a different department or a new role, typically to share or gain skills or expertise. While both involve transitional phases, the connection with the original employer may vary.
The concept of Deputation is often associated with an arrangement where the employee is placed in a different role, possibly in a different organization, but usually retains their substantive position in their original organization. Secondment, on the other hand, might involve a more collaborative approach, where skills and knowledge are exchanged between departments or even organizations.
Deputation is generally considered a formal arrangement and may involve a change in work, location, and job roles but usually within a structured framework. Secondment might be more flexible, allowing an employee to experience a new work environment and learn new skills while contributing their existing skills and knowledge.
Lastly, Deputation and Secondment are both mechanisms to facilitate employee development, organizational collaboration, and skill exchange, albeit with slight differences in structure, flexibility, and connectivity to the original employer or department.
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Comparison Chart
Nature of Transfer
Typically more formal and structured
More flexible and can be informal
Connection to Original Employer
Retains a link with the original employer
May or may not retain strong links with the original employer
Purpose
Often to fill vacancies or meet specific needs
Usually for skill development or project-specific needs
Duration
May have a predetermined duration
Often has a specified duration but can be more flexible
Compensation and Benefits
Usually from the original employer
Can be from either the seconding or host organization
Compare with Definitions
Deputation
Deputation often involves formal arrangements and structures.
His deputation to the external agency was meticulously planned and executed.
Secondment
Secondment aims for skill and knowledge exchange.
Sarah’s secondment in the research department enriched her analytical skills.
Deputation
Deputation is a temporary assignment to a different role.
She served a deputation in the finance department to understand budget allocation.
Secondment
Secondment usually involves working on specific projects or goals.
During his secondment, Mike contributed to the completion of the annual report.
Deputation
Deputation is sometimes used to meet specific organizational needs or goals.
The department sent him on deputation to acquire the needed skills for the upcoming project.
Secondment
Secondment can offer more flexibility and can be less formal.
Emma enjoyed the flexibility and new learning experiences her secondment provided.
Deputation
Deputation may imply filling a vacancy in another department or organization.
The deputation allowed her to fill the crucial role left vacant after the sudden resignation.
Secondment
Secondment can allow employees to experience new work environments and cultures.
Lisa’s secondment to the London office expanded her understanding of international markets.
Deputation
Deputation usually involves retaining a link with the original employer.
Despite his deputation, he continued to receive benefits from his original employer.
Secondment
Secondment is a temporary movement to another department or organization.
John's secondment to the marketing team helped him understand client acquisition strategies.
Deputation
A group of people appointed to undertake a mission or take part in a formal process on behalf of a larger group
He had been a member of a deputation to Napoleon III
Secondment
The temporary transfer of an official or worker to another position or employment
He spent two years on secondment to the Department of Industry
Deputation
A person or group appointed to represent another or others; a delegation.
Secondment
Secondment is the assignment of a member of one organisation to another organisation for a temporary period.
Deputation
The act of deputing.
Secondment
The process or state of being seconded, the temporary transfer of a person from their normal duty to another assignment.
Deputation
The state of being deputed.
Secondment
A speech seconding a motion;
Do I hear a second?
Deputation
The act of deputing, or of appointing or commissioning a deputy or representative; office of a deputy or delegate; vicegerency.
Secondment
The detachment of a person from their regular organization for temporary assignment elsewhere
Deputation
The person or persons deputed or commissioned by another person, party, or public body to act in his or its behalf; a delegation.
The general sent a deputation to the enemy to propose a truce.
Deputation
Among Christian missionaries, the process or period of time during which they raise support in preparation for going to their mission field.
Deputation
The act of deputing, or of appointing or commissioning a deputy or representative; office of a deputy or delegate; vicegerency.
The authority of conscience stands founded upon its vicegerency and deputation under God.
Deputation
The person or persons deputed or commissioned by another person, party, or public body to act in his or its behalf; delegation; as, the general sent a deputation to the enemy to propose a truce.
Say to great Cæsar this: In deputationI kiss his conquering hand.
Deputation
A group of representatives or delegates
Deputation
Authorizing subordinates to make certain decisions
Common Curiosities
Is Secondment more flexible than Deputation?
Typically, yes, Secondment tends to be more flexible and can be less formal than Deputation.
What is Deputation?
Deputation is a temporary assignment of an employee to a different role, often in a different organization or department.
How does Secondment differ from Deputation?
Secondment is usually a more flexible, temporary movement of an employee to another department or organization for specific projects or skill development.
Is Deputation usually formal and structured?
Yes, Deputation generally involves more formal arrangements and structures.
Can Secondment be for skill development?
Absolutely, Secondment is often used for skill and knowledge exchange and development.
Do employees on Deputation retain benefits from the original employer?
Generally, yes, employees on Deputation usually retain benefits from their original employer.
Can Secondment occur within the same organization?
Yes, Secondment can occur within different departments of the same organization.
Does Deputation imply working in a different location?
Often, yes, Deputation may involve working in a different location or organization.
Does Deputation involve a change in job roles?
Typically, yes, Deputation usually involves taking on different roles and responsibilities.
Is Deputation a long-term assignment?
No, Deputation is usually a temporary assignment with a predetermined duration.
Are employees on Deputation typically paid by their original employer?
Yes, employees on Deputation are typically compensated by their original employer.
Who compensates an employee on Secondment?
Compensation during Secondment can come from either the seconding or host organization, depending on the arrangement.
Can Secondment lead to a permanent role?
While typically temporary, Secondment can sometimes lead to permanent roles, depending on organizational needs.
Is Secondment beneficial for employee development?
Yes, Secondment can be very beneficial for employee development, offering exposure to new skills and work environments.
Can Deputation be used to meet specific organizational needs?
Yes, Deputation is often used to meet specific needs or fill vacancies in an organization.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
