Delegation vs. Folder Sharing in Outlook for Mac

Overview

Outlook 2016's collaboration features allow an Outlook user to share any folder with another Outlook user. This should not be confused with Delegation, which is a feature allowing one Outlook user to act on behalf of another. The following paragraphs show the primary distinctions between folder sharing and delegation.

Folder Sharing

• Two Outlook 2016 users who both use an Exchange account can share each others Exchange folders.
• Folder Sharing is a way to provide access to another person's folders, but it does not include permissions for one to act on behalf of the other.

Delegation

• Delegation is an Outlook feature by which you grant someone permission to receive and respond to meeting requests or responses and to send email messages on your behalf.
• Delegation is a more advanced feature than simple folder sharing. The person granted this permission is called the delegate.
• You can grant the delegate limited permissions or up to full control over items in your mailbox and calendar.
• Delegate access is commonly used between a manager and assistant, but can also be used between peers.