COMPEL Glossary / delegation-framework
Delegation Framework
A delegation framework is a governance structure that precisely defines what decisions, actions, and resource commitments an AI agent is authorized to make independently, what requires human approval before proceeding, what escalation paths exist for edge cases, and what hard boundaries the agent must never cross.
What this means in practice
The framework typically specifies delegation levels by risk tier, with low-risk routine actions delegated freely while high-risk or novel situations require human authorization. For organizations deploying agentic AI, a delegation framework is the primary mechanism for maintaining meaningful human control while still benefiting from AI autonomy and speed. In COMPEL, delegation frameworks are covered in Module 3.4, Article 11 on agentic AI governance architecture, where they connect to the autonomy spectrum and tool call authorization controls.
Why it matters
As organizations deploy agentic AI systems that can take autonomous actions, defining clear boundaries for what AI agents can and cannot do independently becomes critical. Without a delegation framework, agents may exceed their intended authority, causing financial losses, compliance violations, or reputational damage. Conversely, overly restrictive frameworks negate the speed and efficiency benefits that agentic AI offers.
How COMPEL uses it
Delegation frameworks are covered in Module 3.4, Article 11 on agentic AI governance architecture. During the Model stage, delegation levels are calibrated by risk tier, with low-risk actions delegated freely and high-risk decisions requiring human authorization. The Produce stage implements delegation controls through tool call authorization systems. The Evaluate stage reviews delegation boundaries based on observed agent behavior and incident data.
Related Terms
Other glossary terms mentioned in this entry's definition and context.