
What are the advantages of line and staff in an organization?
Advantages of Line and Staff Organization (7 Points)
- Managerial Specialization. Within the line and staff organization, the work of the organization is split among the road authorities.
- Better Coordination. ...
- Functional Authority. ...
- Practical Decision. ...
- Facilitates Growth. ...
- Better Utilization of Resources. ...
- Greater Flexibility. ...
What is the most effective organizational structure?
- The industry the company fits into
- The overall size of the company
- The company’s goals (what it hopes to achieve, whether that be in terms of finances or how the company intends to be of service to its customers)
What does line staff mean?
line-staff organization, in management, approach in which authorities (e.g., managers) establish goals and directives that are then fulfilled by staff and other workers. A line-staff organizational structure attempts to render a large and complex enterprise more flexible without sacrificing managerial authority.
What are the four basic forms of organizational structure?
What are the 4 Types of Organizational Structures?
- Administrative Structures. Administrative structures include a specific level of regularization. ...
- Functional Structure. Functional Structure organizational is a structure which includes undertakings like supervision, direction, management, and allocation of responsibilities.
- Divisional Structure. ...
- Matrix Structure. ...

What is the meaning of line and staff?
A line function is one that directly advances an organization in its core work. This always includes production and sales, and sometimes marketing. A "staff function" supports the organization with specialized advisory and support functions.
What is the difference between line and staff organization?
The organization in which the authority and responsibility moves downward, and accountability flows upward is called Line Organization whereas The organization structure in which specialist are added to the line managers to provide guidance and support is Line and Staff Organization.
What is line organizational structure example?
Examples of line organizations are small businesses in which the top manager, often the owner, is positioned at the top of the organizational structure and has clear "lines" of distinction between him and his subordinates.
What is a staff organizational structure?
One of the commonly used traditional hierarchical organizational structures is referred to as line and staff. It is a vertical hierarchy where some horizontal support is provided to key positions within the organization. It's used in medium and large organizations.
What is the main advantage of line and staff organization?
Merits of Line and Staff Organization One of the main advantages is that the line executives receive expert advice from the staff. The staff has expertise on the matter, and the line executives can greatly benefit from this advice.
What is the importance of line and staff organization?
Line and staff organisation provides a platform for training and development of employees. Line executives can improve their problem-solving abilities by observing the staff experts. Similarly, staff experts develop a tendency to view problems more rationally and objectively when they staff working with line managers.
What is line organization explain?
Line organization is the simplest framework for the whole administrative organization. Line organization approaches the vertical flow of the relationship. In line organization, authority flows from the top to the bottom. It is also known as the chain of command or scalar principle.
What is line Organisation in simple words?
Line organization is the most oldest and simplest method of administrative organization. According to this type of organization, the authority flows from top to bottom in a concern. The line of command is carried out from top to bottom.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of line and staff organization?
Because of dual authority and specialization, there will be a lesser burden to both line and staff officers. So, managers can perform their jobs more effectively. Line and staff organization is flexible than line structure and functional structure.
What are the 4 types of organizational structure?
The four types of organizational structures are functional, multi-divisional, flat, and matrix structures. Others include circular, team-based, and network structures.
What is the difference between a line organization and a line and staff organization quizlet?
What is the difference between "Line" and "Staff"? Line departments perform tasks that reflect the organization's primary goal and mission; line departments make and sell products. Staff include all of those that provide specialized skills in support of the line departments.
What is the difference between line management and staff management?
The Differences Between A Line Manager And A Staff Manager A line manager's primary responsibility is to monitor and maximise the performance of their team. A staff manager's primary responsibility is to provide technical assistance and guidance to line managers.
What is the relationship between line and staff in an organization?
A line relationship is simply known as a relationship of authority between the superior and subordinates in a hierarchical arrangement. The direct line superior has control over his immediate subordinates. In this case, authority flows downward and accountability goes upward in a straight line.
What is a line organization?
Definition of line organization : the part of a business organization that forms an integrated whole concerned with the production of the goods or services that are the stock in trade of the organization —often distinguished from staff.
What is line and staff?
Line and staff are the two broadest categories within which employees are organized in a business. Line personnel are directly involved in the operations of a business. Line functions include sales, marketing, production, and distribution. The line functions also generate revenue for the organization. Staff personnel facilitate the activities of ...
What is staff personnel?
Staff personnel facilitate the activities of line personnel. For example, a human resources employee is ranked within the staff classification, as is an internal auditor, an accountant, a public relations person, and a risk manager.
Why do line personnel complain?
There can be conflict between the two types of positions. Line personnel tend to resent staff personnel for interfering with their job functions, while staff personnel complain that they are being ignored by line personnel. The situation can be exacerbated when staff personnel become too involved in line work in order to give the appearance that they are justifying their positions. Ideally, there should be just enough staff personnel to create a net gain in the performance of the organization as a whole. Staff personnel tend to be paid more than line personnel, which can cause tension with line personnel. Further, too many staff personnel will increase costs while reducing the efficiency of the line personnel.
Why do staff personnel lay off first?
During economic downturns, staff personnel tend to be laid off first, since doing so reduces costs without interfering with the productive capacity of the business.
Should there be enough staff personnel?
Ideally, there should be just enough staff personnel to create a net gain in the performance of the organization as a whole. Staff personnel tend to be paid more than line personnel, which can cause tension with line personnel.
What is line and staff structure?
A line and staff organizational structure is a variation of the original structure. This structure brings in specialized or supporting staff to aid line executives. For instance, a senior manager can discuss ideas and goals with a chief supervisor.
What Is A Line Organizational Structure?
An organization where information is disseminated from one person to the other based on rank and position follows a line organizational structure.
Why is it important to understand organizational values and culture?
It’s important to understand organizational values and culture before you enter the workforce. Finding out your culture fit can help you thrive in the workplace. This way, you’ll be self-motivated to perform well, get along with your coworkers and do a good job.
What are some examples of line organization?
One of the most common examples of line organization is small businesses with the owner overseeing daily operations.
Why are employees more likely to follow their work culture and values?
Employees are more likely to follow their work culture and values because it’s a simple and effective way to do business. They’re fully-aware of their responsibilities which helps them complete their tasks on their own. Outside of reporting to senior management, each task belongs to individual employees.
How does line and staff organizational structure facilitate better utilization of organizational resources?
Here, both line and staff officials perform their functions through mutual cooperation and coordination. Proper and efficient utilization of human resources contributes to minimizing wastage and helps within the breakdown of other resources. this is often helpful in maximizing productivity.
What are the advantages of line and staff organization?
Coordination among all the personnel of the organization is one of the advantages of line and staff organization. Line authorities involve implementing plans and maintaining control over activities. And, functional authorities involved in providing guidance and suggestions to line authorities. This helps in maintaining better coordination among members of the organization.
Why is new line department important?
This organizational structure provides a far better scope for flexibility. New-line departments are often created on the idea of requirements. Line authority and subordinates are often appointed within the departments concerned. In a similar way, the management can modify the authority and responsibilities of the workers consistent with requirements. This provides scope for the expansion and expansion of the business activities of the enterprise.
Why is line and staff important?
The line and staff organization structure facilitates growth and helps develop the business activities of the enterprise. Here, both line and functional authorities work jointly in achieving organizational objectives. An enterprise can expand its business and may diversify its lines of business in accordance with the scope and financial benefits. The expansion and development of business activities don’t create any significant problems during this organizational structure.
What is line organization?
Line organization features a simple pattern of structure and there’s a scarcity of managerial specialization. Similarly, functional organization structure creates complexity within the operation thanks to a scarcity of defined relationships between superiors and subordinates. Line and staff organization has been developed to strike a balance between the unity of command and functional specialists.
Why is it harder to coordinate and manage both line and staff authorities?
It’s harder to coordinate and manage both line and staff authorities, as both may have negative attitudes towards one another. In some situations, the highest management is confused in handling line and staff authorities. This becomes a significant problem within the management, especially, in emergency situations. the highest management has got to implement its tactfulness to take care of coordination and mutual relation among both the authorities.
What are the limitations of line and staff?
One of the limitations of the line and staff organization is the problem of conflict between line and staff authorities. This problem creates a tense environment and puts a question mark on the development of the working efficiency of the organization.
What are the features of line and staff?
Features of Line and Staff Organization 1 There are two types of staff :#N#Staff Assistants- P.A. to Managing Director, Secretary to Marketing Manager.#N#Staff Supervisor- Operation Control Manager, Quality Controller, PRO 2 Line and Staff Organization is a compromise of line organization. It is more complex than line concern. 3 Division of work and specialization takes place in line and staff organization. 4 The whole organization is divided into different functional areas to which staff specialists are attached. 5 Efficiency can be achieved through the features of specialization. 6 There are two lines of authority which flow at one time in a concern :#N#Line Authority#N#Staff Authority 7 Power of command remains with the line executive and staff serves only as counselors.
What is line and staff conflict?
Line and staff conflicts- Line and staff are two authorities which are flowing at the same time. The factors of designations, status influence sentiments which are related to their relation, can pose a distress on the minds of the employees. This leads to minimizing of co-ordination which hampers a concern’s working.
Why is training important for line executives?
Training- Due to the presence of staff specialists and their expert advice serves as ground for training to line officials. Line executives can give due concentration to their decision making. This in itself is a training ground for them.
What is a staff assistant?
Staff Assistants- P.A. to Managing Director, Secretary to Marketing Manager.
What is relief to line of executives?
Relief to line of executives- In a line and staff organization, the advice and counseling which is provided to the line executives divides the work between the two. The line executive can concentrate on the execution of plans and they get relieved of dividing their attention to many areas.
What is line staff organization?
Line-staff organization, in management, approach in which managers establish goals and directives that are then fulfilled by staff and other workers.
What is line staff?
line-staff organization, in management, approach in which authorities (e.g., managers) establish goals and directives that are then fulfilled by staff and other workers. A line-staff organizational structure attempts to render a large and complex enterprise more flexible without sacrificing managerial authority.
What are the functions of a staff group?
Staff groups provide analysis, research, counsel, monitoring, evaluation, and other activities that would otherwise reduce organizational efficiencyif carried out by personnel in line groups. Staff groups are therefore responsible to their appropriate line units.
What is line group in manufacturing?
In manufacturing, line groups engage in work related to production. In the service sector, the line group is responsible for its customers. Line groups have final decision-making authority regarding technical organizational purposes. Staff groups are engaged in tasks that provide support for line groups.
What is line group?
Line groups are engaged in tasks that constitutethe technical core of the firm or the subunit of a larger enterprise. They are directly involved in accomplishing the primary objective of the enterprise. In manufacturing, line groups engage in work related to production.
What is the relationship between individuals, groups, and divisions?
Relationships between individuals, groups, and divisions are based on lines of authority that are predetermined. Typically, work is carried out in accordance with specialized functions, and authority is exercised in a hierarchical manner.
What is the theory of organization?
Taylor, and others who pioneered new administrative strategies in the late 1800s and early 1900s define formal organizations as collectiveenterprises identified by a clear division of labourand authority. These theories view decision-making power as flowing from a unified command structure. Relationships between individuals, groups, and divisions are based on lines of authority that are predetermined. Typically, work is carried out in accordance with specialized functions, and authority is exercised in a hierarchical manner. In a highly centralized structure, decisions are made by a few executives or managers and flow downward through the enterprise. However, as organizations grow in scope and complexity, they need to be flexible in the extent to which coordination and control are centrally applied. The principle of line-staff organization introduces flexibility into hierarchical lines of authority while trying to preserve a unified command structure.
What is line organization?
Line Organization is the form of organization, wherein the authority flows from the person present at the top of the organizational hierarchy to the person working at the lowest level. In line and staff organization, the hierarchy remains same as in the line organization, but specialists are attached to the front line managers to advise ...
What are the benefits of line and staff organization?
There are a number of benefits of line and staff organization, in the sense that it gives relief to the line managers and they can concentrate on the implementation of policies and plans. Moreover, there is a benefit of specialization, as in work is divided between the line and staff executives, and they focus on their respective area .
What is the organization in which the authority and responsibility moves downward, and accountability flows upward?
The organization in which the authority and responsibility moves downward, and accountability flows upward, is called line organization . The organization structure, in which specialist are added to the line managers to provide guidance and support, is called line and staff organization. Line executives are generalist.
Why is a structural relationship necessary?
A structural relationship is required to be developed between different departments and the people working in them, for effectively accomplishing the objectives of the organization. And so, formal relationship between the members of the organization is set up, so as to coordinate their efforts.
What is line executive?
Line executives are generalist. Line executives are generalist and staff executives are specialist. Degree of centralization. Absolute centralization. Partly centralized and partly decentralized. Appropriate for. Small organization with less number of employees. Large organization with a number of employees.
Is line organization good for small companies?
Line organization, is good for small corporations, as, in such a structure, the authority is concentrated at the top, which makes it difficult to manage if the number of employees are large . On the contrary, Line and staff organization, is best suited for large corporations due to the presence of staff specialist, who use their knowledge to advice line managers on complex issues.
Is line organization strict or loose?
As we talk about discipline, line organization, is strict, whereas line and staff organization is loose.

What Is A Line Organizational Structure?
Advantages of Line Organization
- A line organizational structure has many advantages but they depend on the type of business and number of employees. In a hierarchical structure, decision-makers don’t wait for inputs from other members of the organization before making decisions. They can rely on personal judgment and take a call. This can be effective when organizations are short on time. There are fixed responsi…
Disadvantages of Line Organization
- A top-down approach is a rigid structure that can hamper coordination and collaboration. Most of the work done in a line organizational structure is routine. There is no provision for growth and development. Employees are expected to work on the same tasks without upskilling or learning about other aspects of the business. As all the decisions are made by senior management, empl…
What Is A Line and Staff Organizational Structure?
- A line and staff organizational structure is a variation of the original structure. This structure brings in specialized or supporting staff to aid line executives. For instance, a senior manager can discuss ideas and goals with a chief supervisor. The staff offers specialized/technical suggestions, advice and ideas to the senior management. This b...
Understanding Your Culture Fit
- Organizational structures significantly impact performance and outcomes. So, learning more about different organizational structures, stakeholders and power structures will help you navigate your workplace. Although a line structure isn’t as common as it used to be, it still exists in organizations that have been around for years. Harappa’s Navigating Workplacescourse is a s…