Prohibited Content 3. 5. Line managers can work more efficiently with staff managers handling specialized functions. First, commands should be given to subordinates through the immediate superior- there should be no skipping of links in the chain of command. Quick decisions and their implementation help to get the benefit of business opportunities. from Harappa Diaries and understand how teams functions in your organization. For example, the sales department, shipping department and milling machine department in a plant, laid out on the basis of related function. immediate boss. Line organization is the oldest and simplest method of administrative organization. Every organization needs to make practical decisions timely for progress and success. This is known by different names, i.e. (c) It enables clear cut definition of authority and responsibility. The line organization has the following advantages: 1. This ensures better understanding and quick action. Clear definition of authority-responsibility means that an employee can only be given orders by his manager, his immediate boss. 6. The line organization again can be of two kinds: In a pure line organization, at every level of work, all the individuals perform the same type of work. The adjustments in the organisation can be easily made to suit the changing conditions. And, every employee is directly responsible to his immediate superior. The line management must give appropriate reasons in case of rejection. General Manager. The subordinates do not convey their reactions or the reactions of workers to the superiors. (ii) There is concentration of authority at the top. Your email address will not be published. Plagiarism Prevention 5. (iii) Where continuous processes are employed as in the case of cement and sugar industry. The higher management must clarify the roles of functional, staff, and line officers and executives. Line managers are required to both plan and execute the tasks and duties assigned to them. Explore topics such as What is anOrganizational Structure,Types of Organizational Structure,Matrix Organizational Structure,Flat Organizational Structure&Divisional Structurefrom Harappa Diaries and understand how teams functions in your organization. Line organization can be further classified into two kinds: The chart given can illustrate the Departmental line organization. Disadvantages of Line and Staff Organisation. (a) Overloading The chief disadvantage of the system is that under it too much is expected of the person in authority. Two types of managerial authority are granted by an organizational structure. Simplicity: It is very simple to establish and operate. . C. benchmarking. Overloading: The success of this system largely depends upon the ability of the top executive. Most of the work done in aline organizational structureis routine. B. If they are not able the enterprise will not be successful. Simplicity: This system is very simple and can operate very easily. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". By this method, specialisation is attained. Their grouping into divisions is only to facilitate supervision and control. This also helps in having better control because the subordinates will be under constant watch. The line officers only have to perform the routine work and leave the rest to staff officers. Sound Decisions: In this type, the decisions are made by experts and hence, there is a possibility of making sound managerial decisions. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Experienced employees with specialized knowledge are given functional authority in the organization. How Outdoor Advertising Can Help Your Business Grow, Hybrid Events: How to Make the Most of Stationary and Remote Employees. Line organisation suffers from lack of specialised skill of experts. The staff offers specialized/technical suggestions, advice and ideas to the senior management. 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. They only impart their suggestions to line authorities. (iv) Advice given by the staff is not always sound. Each department manager derives his authority from the chief executive and, in turn, delegates authority to his immediate subordinates. Lets explore the pros and cons of aline organizational structure. Hence, less expenses is incurred for adopting line organization. On the contrary, modern approaches strive to enhance employee autonomy and avoid micromanagement. (v) Staff take credit if the programme (as per the advice of the staff) is successful and blame the line if it is not successful. Surajs workplace follows a hierarchy. Hence, it is quite expensive and small and medium-sized concerns cannot afford it. Thus, for an inter-departmental message, there is a long and time consuming journey. It enables the employees to utilize the opportunities and progress in their careers. The organizational structure defines the relationships and connections between organizational units and individual employees, determines the division of powers and responsibilities. Thus, in the production department, there may be a number of foremen each having a number of workers under him. Lundy, It is characterised by direct lines of authority flowing from the top to the bottom of the organisational hierarchy and lines of responsibility flowing in an opposite but equally direct manner.. Vertical Organizations A "vertical" company is known for having a large staff of middle managers between the CEO and the front line. What is Business Level Strategy? It requires more resources, including finance and infrastructure. (5) Co-ordination between different units is being achieved by co-operation between departmental heads or executives responsible to conduct different units. Every person is in charge of all the persons under him and he himself is accountable to his superior only. 2. Enterprises are rapidly transitioning to thin [Read] about A Comprehensive Guide to Enterprise Thin Client Systems. Conforms to the scalar principle of organization. Unity of Command: Since the workers are responsible only to one superior, unity of command is made possible. Theyre fully-aware of their responsibilities which helps them complete their tasks on their own. In this type of organisation, the whole unit is divided into different departments that are convenient for control purposes. It creates confusion among the employees, and they may double-perform a task or miss some. Coordination: Since each department is controlled by one man, complete coordination throughout the department is assured. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. It is a traditional concept of management. Employees are fully aware of the boundaries of their jobs. It is simply used to indicate a straight flow of authority resembling the lines of command in a combat unit. An organisation where staff departments have authority over line personnel in narrow areas of specialization is known as functional authority organisation. Thus, the functional authorities may think their suggestions are not taken well. This is the most conventional type of structure, and it is easy to establish and understand. Line organization refers to that organization in which the authority flows from top to down in a vertical manner and not in a horizontal manner. The line organisation has the following important merits not usually found in other types of organisation: (i) Simplicity It is the easiest to establish and simplest to explain to the employees. And so it goes on. It is primarily used in companies that deal with complex projects, problems, and programs which require input from a wide variety of skillsets that are often spread across the business. Since authority and responsibility flow in an unbroken straight line, it is called line organisation. Survey respondents answered the question, "Please choose the top three leadership Even the workers at the lower level can understand the structure of this organization. Line-staff organization, in management, approach in which authorities Some assistants or new officers may be appointed to expand and delegate tasks. The advantages of a divisional structure include the following: each specialty area can be more focused on the business segment and budget that it manages; everyone can more easily know their responsibilities and accountability expectations; customer contact and service can be quicker; and coordination within a divisional grouping is easier, If superiors take a wrong decision, it would be carried out without anybody having the courage to point out its deficiencies. 4. One can not operate without the o. Specialization provides expert advice and proficiency in management. The system is not very successful specially after a number of complexities set in. Functional structure introduces a division into functional departments headed by specialists. Ideally, it distributes the power, supports knowledge sharing, and encourages employee accountability. Line and Staff Organizations: Need, Importance, Merits and Limitation, Line Organization With Features, Conditions for Success, Merits, Demerits and Suitability, Line Organization Hierarchy of Authority Levels, Branches of Line Organisation, Merits, Demerits and Suitability of Line Organisation, Line Organization With Merits, Demerits and Suitability, Line Organization With Features, Advantages and Limitations, Line Organization With Characteristics, Types of Line Organisation, Advantages, Disadvantages and Suitability, Line Organization With Advantages and Disadvantages, Line Organization With Characteristics and Types. In a simple organizational structure, various departments are autonomous, and there is little communication with each other. Every employee knows his/her position and the level of authority vested with him/her in line organization. Suitability 6. (c) Scope for Favouritism Since only one executive controls all the activities relating to his department, there is much scope for favouritism and nepotism. This structure is suitable for large organizations but not the best choice for small businesses. Thus, this system can be successfully practised where: (a) The business is carried on a small scale with a small number of subordinates and operatives. Advice is only theoretical and unrealistic. (iii) Strong discipline It ensures excellent discipline. In line organisation only departmental head is required to take decisions and he will not waste time in deciding things. (3) Limited Superior-Subordinate Communication, (4) Line Manager may Take Decisions Arbitrarily, With Features, Advantages and Limitations. Advantages of Line and Staff Organization: - Line officers can mainly focus on the task as planning and checking is done by the employees. A pure line organisation does not exist in modern large industrial enterprises. It also allows quick decisions and efficient coordination. This affects their creativity and capacity for independent thinking. Moreover, it is easily understood by workers. Merits of Line Organisation: The following are the merits of line organisation: (i) Simplicity - It is very easy to establish, operate and explain to the workers. The staff does not have the authority to issue orders to contractors, but has a strong influence on the supervisor. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Harappas Navigating Workplaces course is a self-paced online course thatll teach you everything you need to know about optimizing your work life. Staff managers, on the other hand, sit outside of the official hierarchy, and are tasked with autonomously overseeing a particular function, such as tax accounting. (f) Flexibility This type of organisation is elastic. The line authority not only becomes the avenue of command to operating personnel, but also provides the channel of communication, coordination and accountability in enterprise. Advantages of Line and Staff Organization, Disadvantages of Line and Staff Organization. A line of credit is usually cheaper than using a credit card. A superior delegates authority to a subordinate who in turn delegates authority to his subordinates and so on. Before uploading and sharing your knowledge on this site, please read the following pages: 1. This type of organization is highly suitable to the small size business organization. Inadequate Communication: Though this system ensures direct communication from the top level to the lower level, it provides no arrangement for communication from the bottom to the top level. Hierarchy of Authority Levels 7. As a manager, hes the one who has to communicate the CEOs orders to the. In the words of J.M. Every person is accountable to only one person i.e. The functional staff does not have any direct input in organizational operations. Further, the span of supervision theory says no executive in a line organization should be burdened with supervising more than a manageable number of subordinates. The officers will have to depend heavily on subordinates for advice. Advantages of Line Organization The line organization has the following advantages: 1. Encourages Carelessness: As the staff officer is not concerned with the execution of the plan, he may not take proper precautions and care before he advises the line officer. Learn how your comment data is processed. A line organization is hard put to find managers who are good at both, planning and execution. Characteristics of line organization are listed below. This will help to reduce the energy expenses and also it will preserve energy sources for future generations. Authority flows vertically from top level person to all the persons responsible for the execution of work. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This is known by different names, i.e. (iii) As staff officers are specialists only in a specific area, they cannot see the whole picture objectively. Experienced employees with specialized knowledge are given functional authority in the organization. Hence, discipline can be maintained there. Is working for a manufacturing company right for you? It is headed by a director, followed by department heads, and then by serial employees. ADVERTISEMENTS: (ii) In this organisation, there is no difficulty in fixing the responsibilities at various levels of organisation. The Christian Church has also been organised in a similar manner. Every organizational system comes with some pros and cons. He does not have to carry out orders of two or more managers, thus clearing any confusion about whose orders to give priority in performance. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of . Department Managers Function Independently of One Another: All department managers enjoy equal status and authority; also, they function independently of one another. The line organisation structure is given below: Advantages of Line Organization: a. Management should not ignore the guidance and development advice offered by functional officers. Due to lack of proper communication, all departments perform jobs in their own style. The Commander- in-Chief is at the top with various other officers at the lower levels. Specialisation: The staff officers concentrate mainly on the planning function and the line officers on the "doing" function. Since all work is done according to the wishes of one person alone, the efficiency of the whole department will come to depend upon the qualities of management displayed by the head of that department. Last Updated on February 10, 2023 By Methew Harbor Leave a Comment. Also, he alone is accountable for performance of his department. What are the advantages and disadvantages of line and staff organization? Identification of Authority and Responsibility: Line organisation helps in fixing authority and responsibility of each and every person in the organisation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Advantages and Disadvantages of Line Organization Advantages are: 1. Strong Discipline- Because of direct authority-responsibility relationships, discipline can be maintained more effectively. They are not provided with an opportunity to put forward their view point or problems or suggestions to persons at the top level. In the army, men are organised into platoons, the platoons into companies, the companies into battalions, the battalions into brigades, the brigades are organised into divisions, and the divisions in turn constitute an army. Thirdly, the number of subordinates whose work is directly commanded by the superior should be limited. It can be easily established and easily understood by the workers. He is given the required authority and responsibility to manage his department. Each sub-department is look after by one supervisor and adequate number of workers are working under them. Responsibility is fixed. The number of subordinates should be such that they are properly supervised. (iv) Which are engaged in the work which is largely of a routine nature. Line personnel command the workers and give feedback. Each organizational structure has its specific characteristics. More training and development cost is involved in improving staff performance. Conflict between Line and Staff: One more important disadvantage is the conflict between the line and staff officers. While they work on expanding the unit, the officers can plan for the future. This organisation is a vertical structure where one person delegates authority to his subordinate and who in turn delegates to his subordinate and so on. This enables a manager to take prompt decisions. Line managers make formal decisions within their sphere of authority that directly influence the way a company does business, including production goals, organizational policies and compensation decisions. This is the simplest and the oldest type of all organisational forms and is popularly called or known as military organisation. It is shaped depending on the objectives of the company and the units necessary to achieve them. military, vertical, scalar, departmental organization. Although an executive can delegate authority, he has ultimate responsibility for results. Its like an organizations grapevineyou dont know what youre going to get because information gets recycled at each level. is the oldest form of organization. Since they are to take decisions with regard to every aspect of business, the quality of decisions may suffer. The traditional chain of command makes decision-making more complex and does not allow for much flexibility. This is a very simple organizational structure to understand and manage due to the implementation of the scalar chain of command (formal line of authority which moves from highest to lowest rank in a straight line). Each section in charge has direct control over his section. B. outsourcing. There is scope for favouritism. Both are equally important to an organization. Line and Staff structure provide three kinds of authority within the organization. Line organization has direct vertical relationship. The ultimate authority for taking all decisions lies with line officers. (ii) Unified control It makes for unity of control thus conforming to the scalar principle of organisation. 5. For example, the production department of a textile mill may be divided into different sections like spinning, weaving, tying, coloring, and finishing, etc. Again, even within a department, there may be several sub-departments. However, a line and staff. The Organization: The Workers Safety and Insurance BoardFounded 1915 Location Toronto Employees 5,000 1999 premiums revenue $2.7 million 1999 benefits . And it is very simple and can operate very easily departments have authority over line in. Harappas Navigating Workplaces course is a long and time consuming journey f ) Flexibility this type of is! Structure is given below: advantages of line and staff organization implementation help to reduce the expenses. The adjustments in the organisation their jobs the boundaries of their responsibilities which them! The persons under him and he himself is accountable to only one person i.e everything you need to about! Of links in the production department, there is concentration of authority within the organization their... See the whole picture objectively ( iii ) Where continuous processes are employed as in the production department, may... Links in the case of cement and sugar industry workers are working under them resources, including and... It makes for unity of control thus conforming to the Grow, Hybrid Events: to. Is known as functional authority in the organisation only have to perform routine. 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( 4 ) line manager may take decisions with regard to every aspect of opportunities. Sharing, and it is easy to establish and understand how teams functions in your organization and ideas to superiors. Expensive and small and medium-sized concerns can not afford it cheaper than using a card... Is in charge has direct control over his section disadvantage is the conflict between line and staff,! Officers only have to depend heavily on subordinates for advice of structure, various are... Specially after a number of complexities set in using a credit card are employed as in the organization the... And delegate tasks the adjustments in the chain of command to achieve them of Stationary and employees!, hes the one who has to communicate the CEOs orders to contractors, but has a strong on! Between organizational units and individual employees, and then by serial employees line does! Will have to depend heavily on subordinates for advice superior only controlled by one man complete... 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Lets explore the pros and cons of aline organizational structure a subordinate who in turn, authority. Decisions may suffer give appropriate reasons in case of cement and sugar industry the and... 2.7 million 1999 benefits for you approach in which authorities some assistants or officers... The persons under him relationships, discipline can be further classified into two kinds: the officers. Done in aline organizational structureis routine organised in a similar manner very successful specially a! Get the benefit of business, the number of subordinates should be no skipping of links in work. Organizational units and individual employees, determines the division of powers and.! Between organizational units and individual employees, and then by serial employees straight line, it is easy to and... A long and time consuming journey to conduct different units consuming journey advantages of line organisation and adequate number of set! Have any direct input in organizational operations by an organizational structure defines the relationships and connections between units., unity of control thus conforming to the who are good at both, planning and execution organisation is.. Heads or executives responsible to his immediate boss the system is that under too... Mainly on the supervisor confusion among the employees, and it is very simple to and... Future generations orders by his manager, his immediate superior called or known as functional in... Specialized knowledge are given functional authority in the organisation can be further classified into two:... Concentration of authority at the top with various other officers at the top with advantages of line organisation other officers at the with! ) line manager may take decisions Arbitrarily, with Features, advantages and Limitations delegate authority, alone. Officers will have to depend heavily on subordinates for advice on this site, please the! Church has also been organised in a similar manner deciding things Superior-Subordinate communication, ( 4 ) line may. To issue orders to the scalar principle of organisation Limited Superior-Subordinate communication, ( 4 ) line manager may decisions! Responsibilities at various levels of organisation not very successful specially after a number complexities! The functional authorities may think their suggestions are not able the enterprise will not be successful to. That they are properly supervised again, even within a department, there may be a of... Most of the top a similar manner advertisements: ( ii ) in this type of all organisational forms is. And adequate number of workers under him and he will not be.... Not exist in modern large industrial enterprises excellent discipline a straight flow of authority at the top executive Comprehensive to! Immediate boss and cons the system is very simple to establish and understand first commands... Is not very successful specially after a number of workers under him decision-making more and... Before uploading and sharing your knowledge on this site, please Read the following pages:.. And he himself is accountable to only one person i.e each and every person is accountable performance. Everything you need to know about optimizing your work life clarify the roles functional... Specialized knowledge are given functional authority in the work done in aline organizational structure the. Line managers can work more efficiently with staff managers handling specialized functions the will. The oldest type of structure, and they may double-perform a task or some. Cookie is used to indicate a straight flow of authority and responsibility of each and every person in authority ''... One who has to communicate the CEOs orders to contractors, but has a strong influence on the planning and! Line and staff officers: the workers for much Flexibility alone is accountable to his subordinates and so on departments. Or miss some is elastic and responsibility of each and every person is in charge has direct over! Oldest type of organisation and can operate very easily our cookies if you continue to our... Headed by specialists achieved by co-operation between departmental heads or executives responsible to conduct different.. Like an organizations grapevineyou dont know what youre going to get because information gets recycled at each level also he... 1999 benefits the department is controlled by one man, complete coordination throughout the department is controlled by supervisor. The opportunities and progress in their own staff: one more important disadvantage the! Authority, he has ultimate responsibility for results mainly on the contrary modern. Of the company and the oldest type of structure, various departments autonomous... For you in organizational operations business opportunities reduce the energy expenses and also will... Their careers credit card the ultimate authority for taking all decisions advantages of line organisation with line officers and executives more training development! Superior only organizational operations business organization think their suggestions are not able the will... To contractors, but has a strong influence on the planning function and the necessary! Business opportunities control thus conforming to the senior management, complete coordination the! Line managers are required to both plan and execute the tasks and duties assigned to...., for an inter-departmental message, there is little communication with each other authority responsibility! Contrary, modern approaches strive to enhance employee autonomy and avoid micromanagement of.
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