It is a traditional concept of management. Advice is only theoretical and unrealistic. The workers themselves have the particular foreman to look to for all their problems, and they do not have the authority to approach higher officers except through their immediate boss. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The top-level manager can control the entire organization through the hierarchy of authority. This structure involves more money and might not be the best choice for small organizations. This type of organisation helps in co-ordination and control. It is also worth mentioning here that the co-ordination on the basis of cooperation is rather enforced by the supervisor who will be in charge of two or three units. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that youve provided to them or that theyve collected from your use of their services. There are no complications in defining the authority-responsibility relationships. The traditional chain of command makes decision-making more complex and does not allow for much flexibility. In line organisation, the line of authority consists of an uninterrupted series of authority steps and forms a hierarchical arrangement. You may say that it is limited line authority. Line departments perform tasks that reflect the organization's primary goal and mission; line departments make and sell products. 2. Under this method, authority flows in a vertical manner form top to bottom. 1. 3. WHO IS A STAFF MANAGER? In todays business world, marketing is the [Read] about B2B Account-Based Marketing: How to Grow Sales? On the contrary, modern approaches strive to enhance employee autonomy and avoid micromanagement. Staff authorities have the following complaints against line officers: (i) Line officers do not make proper use of advice given by staff. Another benefit of line organization is that it is easier to make someone accountable and responsible for the task assigned to him or her so if any mistake happens one can easily pinpoint the person due to whom the mistake has happened and there is no scope for him or her putting blame on other persons of the company.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'letslearnfinance_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-letslearnfinance_com-medrectangle-4-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'letslearnfinance_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-letslearnfinance_com-banner-1-0');Since decisions are taken by the person at the top only the response time to any situation is quick and short besides there is a lot of flexibility due to the presence of a single authority which makes it easier to respond to any situations which may arise from time to time. (iv) Advice given by the staff is not always sound. The direct relationship is prevailing between the sub-ordinate and immediate superior. First, commands should be given to subordinates through the immediate superior- there should be no skipping of links in the chain of command. The message can be passed on only through the manager who has the authority over both the departments. But as between one foreman and another, there is no formal line of authority or responsibility. Subordinates have no freedom to do their job. Clear-cut division of authority and responsibility- The authority and responsibility of every person is clearly defined. In a simple organization, there is a chain of command from the top level to the bottom level management. There is a clear definition of authority and responsibility relationship. 11. iv. He has to perform all the functions connected with production, including planning of work, ensuring the proper condition of equipment, training of workers and instructing them in the methods of work. 2. A departmental head receives orders from the general manager and passes them on to his immediate subordinates. Since the organization includes line and staff functions, decisions can be made easily. For example, if the production manager bypasses the foreman working under him and gives instructions directly to a machine-man, he may put the machine-man in a difficult position of being accountable to two superiors at one and the same timethe foreman and the production manager. In this form of organization responsibilities are fixed and defined. Further, if an officer is impartial in the strict sense of the term, he may still judge people according to his own notions and, therefore, it is still possible that efficient people may be left behind and inefficient people may get higher and better posts. This is the oldest and simplest form of the organization and is popularly known as military organization. (d) The work is of a routine type and is in continuous process which can be directed with no difficulty. In case, the manager of one department wishes to issue guidance or directions to a subordinate in another department, he will go up the line and convey the message to the top manager who will then pass it down the line in the other department. By providing staff managers with total authority in particular areas, line managers have more free time to focus on their main task: overseeing and facilitating the employees under their authority. Staff and line are names given to different types of functions in organizations. Prohibited Content 3. When the roles of each kind within the organization are clear, they ensure better coordination. Better Discipline: Balanced and Prompt Decisions: Growth and Expansion: 5. (viii) Each department is self-contained and works independently of other departments. Likewise, several groups are formed and placed under the control of an individual for the sake of convenience of control. Advantages of Line and Staff Organization, Disadvantages of Line and Staff Organization. The line staff organizational structure offers more flexibility than others. Staff officers do not have the authority to implement their opinions and recommendations without the line officers approval. Development of Employees: And others may be good at execution but not so when it. (iv) Where the work is done by automatic machines and less supervision is needed. It also allows quick decisions and efficient coordination. Line and Staff structure provide three kinds of authority within the organization. A group of employees is controlled by one individual. The links in the chain of command should not be skipped. This authority enables him to instruct and direct his subordinates to perform the tasks and duties assigned to them. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Storage Discipline: The vertical arrangement of authority and the singleness of responsibility ensures excellent discipline. Again, even within a department, there may be several sub-departments. The Line and Staff Organization is a dual-organization structure with two prominent authorities. Employees are expected to work on the same tasks without upskilling or learning about other aspects of the business. about The Concept of Cryptocurrency Staking and Passive Income Options, about Why Buying Restaurant Chairs in Bulk is a Smart Choice for your Business, about Top 5 Benefits of Identity Verification, about Choosing the Right Tampa Car Accident Lawyer for your Case, about Top Tips for the Best Event Staging: Things to Consider, about 6 Actionable Tips for Women to Ace Wealth Planning, about How To Get Out of Debt and Invest in Your Success, Mintzberg's Organizational Configurations. about A Comprehensive Guide to Enterprise Thin Client Systems. One of the major advantages of this organizational structure is the ease of communication between various departments which often leads to more . A line organization is easy to establish. The officers will have to depend heavily on subordinates for advice. Confusion: If the pattern of authority relationship between line and staff executives is not clearly indicated, there may be considerable confusion throughout the organisation. APR what is it and how to calculate it for a loan? (3) Limited Superior-Subordinate Communication, (4) Line Manager may Take Decisions Arbitrarily, With Features, Advantages and Limitations. The line organisation can be of two types, viz., (a) pure line organisation and (b) departmental line organisation. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advantages and Disadvantages of Line Organization Advantages are: 1. Line authority means giving the person a particular amount of control for specific tasks. Line executives are the people directly involved in the basic activities of an organization. Line and staff organization is an expensive organizational structure. Further, it promotes the unity of command. is the oldest form of organization. (4) Line Manager may Take Decisions Arbitrarily: A line manager has authority to make decisions. Decision-making responsibilities are static with limited flexibility. These are more formal organizations where collaborative efforts may not be entertained. It is the units that perform all the functions that make up the companys business processes. These subordinates, in turn, delegate authority to their own subordinates, and so on. Expert Advice: The staff officers provide expert advice and guidance to line officers and by this, the enterprise as a whole gets benefit. 2. Among the advantages of a line structure, experts most often include: Among the disadvantages of the line structure, it is primarily indicated: A linear organizational structure is therefore simple, easy to understand and transparent to all its participants. The line officers and staff officers perform their specific functions to contribute to the overall operation. Its important to understand organizational values and culture before you enter the workforce. The authority flows from top to the lower levels. They may consult the functional managers for advice and work with staff to improve relationships within different departments to improve overall organization performance. 6. For this reason, it is given the name line organization. Merits of Line Organization: Simplicity: Line organization is simple to establish and can be easily understood by the employees. Scope for Favoritism: Chances for nepotism and favoritism are more under this system. Opportunities for Advancement. For example, the person heading the IT department will have the education and skill necessary to shoulder this responsibility and successfully run his team. Good and efficient emperors were able to achieve a great deal whereas an inefficient and weak emperor spoilt everything. Quick Decision-Making In a hierarchical structure, decision-makers don't wait for inputs from other members of the organization before making decisions. 5. In a hierarchical structure, decision-makers dont wait for inputs from other members of the organization before making decisions. 1. It can be easily established and easily understood by the workers. (iv) The authority and responsibility of each person is clearly specified. They may move higher in the hierarchy by correctly implementing their skills in the processes. Every employee knows his/her position and the level of authority vested with him/her in line organization. Moreover, unity of command, according to which an employee can be given orders only by one superior, and the employee on his part will be accountable to that one superior only, is essential in a line organization. The line office cannot devote sufficient time to each and every work and are over loaded with responsibilities. Advantages of Functional Organizational Structure The executive or the team leader has the knowledge and experience of that particular field. In this organizational structure, all the individuals perform the same type of work. If a decision making process involves the consultation of a number of persons then there are likely to be delays in deciding things. Everybody is responsible for his work and is accountable to his boss. Line or military type of organisation is the oldest type of organisation. Quick Decision and Implementation 3. (ii) Line officers reject the advice without giving reasons. (vii) There is a hierarchical arrangement of authority. Even the workers at the lower level can understand the structure of this organization. It allows them to look for plans for the growth of the company. There are many advantages to the functional organizational structure: It Develops Specialist Employees When companies use a functional organizational structure, groups of employees with similar skills and knowledge are grouped together. Managers of all departments contribute to multiple management layers in the organization. Flow of Authority from Top to Bottom; Accountability of Each Subordinate: The manager at each level makes decisions within the scope of authority delegated to him by his own boss. Simple and Easy To Understand 2. For example, it is not possible for a foreman alone to give full guidance on all matters relating to use of materials, use of machines, methods, personnel practice, and so on. At departmental level manager is in charge and he can direct the activities of his juniors. Thus, they lose their capacity for independence thinking. (iv) Which are engaged in the work which is largely of a routine nature. The meaning of LINE ORGANIZATION is 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. This finding underscores the increasingly recognized need for companies to improve their I&D engagement with core-business managers. Hierarchy of Authority Levels 7. It is the simplest of all types of organizations. What is line and staff Organisation? Economical Disadvantages are: 1. The general manager is in charge of all the departments and he can easily co-ordinate the work of various departments. In a vertical companywhich was most the most common business model in organizations for the much of the mid- to late-20th centurylines An organizational structure is a set of rules, roles, relationships and responsibilities that determine how a company's activities should be directed to achieve its goals. In this blog, we'll explore six benefits of Change Management when . Simplicity. This is known by different names, i.e. (ii) Where the work is of a routine nature and the methods of operation are simple. This can be effective when organizations are short on time. They are the doorstep people who do and make things happen for accomplishment of organizational objectives. Each of these departments will report directly to the supervisor above them. : In pure line organisation, the activities at any one level are the same and all the individuals perform the same type of work and the divisions or departments are made for the sake of control and direction. It depends on the type of work, functions and industry the organization operates in. By providing staff managers with total authority in particular areas, line managers have more free. Simplicity: Line organisation is simple to establish and can be easily understood by the employees. Thus, this system may encourage carelessness on the part of the staff officer. Academic library - free online college e textbooks - info{at}ebrary.net - 2014 - 2023. It means a subordinate is responsible to only one superior. 3. Relief to Line Executives: The Staff officers look after the detailed analysis of each important managerial activity which is a big relief to the line officers. Households and businesses can appreciate the benefits of having a credit card for immediate spending needs. Since staff managers are generally very knowledgable in their field, line managers have the advantage of being able to tap into the knowledge and resources of staff managers to solve complex problems. This way, youll be self-motivated to perform well, get along with your coworkers and do a good job. Fixed Responsibility: Under this system, the duties and responsibilities are clearly defined for each employee. iii. What Are the Tasks of Organizational Structure? It creates confusion among the employees, and they may double-perform a task or miss some. Any departure from this scheme may create problems. The executive may appoint and promote his own men in various positions ignoring the claim of efficient persons. The simple organization is economical in operation. The allocation of work will also help in fixing responsibility of various individuals. Hence, there is no contact between Sales Manager and the workers. Even within a department, there may be several sub-departments or units. Each foreman works independently, without any formal line of authority or responsibility with other foremen and takes orders from his superior or superintendent to whom he is directly responsible. While in the line organisation, there is too much concentration of control, in the functional organisation, there is too much division of control. Change is ever-present in the business world, and organizations without a process or plan for managing it often struggle to keep up with today's frenetic pace. (2) It gives full freedom to each departmental head to look after his department. Organizational structures significantly impact performance and outcomes. Advantages of Line and Staff Organisation: A line officer can make sound decisions on the basis of proper advice from the staff officer. For example, human resources, accounting, public relations and the legal . Another disadvantage of line organization is that due to the presence of a single authority the scope of favoritism and biased towards some employees increases leading to dissatisfaction among other employees and a hostile working atmosphere within the company which in long run can be a disaster for the company. (c) Unity of control There is unity of command and control according to which an employee can receive orders only from one superior. 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