You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. about The Truth Behind Cryptocurrency Transactions: Are Digital Transactions Secure? It consists of direct vertical relationships. 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. Above all the departmental heads, there is a general manager to whom all the department heads are responsible. (5) Co-ordination between different units is being achieved by co-operation between departmental heads or executives responsible to conduct different units. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. For the three indicators of inclusionequality, openness, and belongingwe found particularly high levels of negative sentiment about equality and fairness of opportunity. You may choose the one that suits your companys needs the best. The Christian Church has also been organised in a similar manner. 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. Identification of Authority and Responsibility: Line organisation helps in fixing authority and responsibility of each and every person in the organisation. (iv) Fixed responsibility Everybody in this type of organisation knows to whom he is responsible, and who are responsible to him. D. core competencies., Companies benefit today by inter-firm cooperation. 3. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In order to understand more about line, organization lets look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of line organization-if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'letslearnfinance_com-box-3','ezslot_1',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-letslearnfinance_com-box-3-0'); The first and foremost advantage of line organization is that it is very simple to understand and implement in the organization and hence there is no need to give extensive training to employees about the structure of the organization as all employees will know that flow of authority will be in a line and that too from top to bottom so there is no ambiguity and confusion. The advice of staff should be realistic and practicable. Staff and line are names given to different types of functions in organizations. Direct Communication: As this system enables direct contact between the superior and his subordinates, direct communication is made possible. (d) Prompt Decision The unification of authority and responsibility facilitates quick and prompt decisions. If the managers treat the employees as a pendulum between them, they will most likely get tired of their job roles. The officers at downward positions derive authority from the top. Direct supervision and control also helps in maintaining strong discipline among the workers. 2. The traditional chain of command makes decision-making more complex and does not allow for much flexibility. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. [Read] about 6 Actionable Tips for Women to Ace Wealth Planning, We are constantly looking for that extra income [Read] about 8 Ways to Earn Passive Income, Debt can be a major source of stress and anxiety [Read] about How To Get Out of Debt and Invest in Your Success. Vertical Organizations A "vertical" company is known for having a large staff of middle managers between the CEO and the front line. They can rely on personal judgment and take a call. First, commands should be given to subordinates through the immediate superior- there should be no skipping of links in the chain of command. Matthew is a Co-Founder at BusinessFinanceArticles.org. Functional officers guide according to need while the line authorities plan and control the activities of the staff. The only problem with a credit card is that it will usually carry a high APR. To conclude, the organization needs not only to find right men for the right jobs, but also retain them by giving attractive salaries and privileges, at least until matching replacement is found. 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. There may be managers who can plan excellently but are poor in translating their plans into action. Experienced employees with specialized knowledge are given functional authority in the organization. Employees are expected to work on the same tasks without upskilling or learning about other aspects of the business. This is the simplest and oldest, known as chain of command or scalar principle. Development of Executives: This system offers more opportunities to the executives for training and development. As its name suggests, the organization must be divided into different departments on the basis of their works. What Are the Tasks of Organizational Structure? Your email address will not be published. A modification of this structure is line and staff organisation under which specialists are attached to line executives to provide them specialized assistance on matters of great importance to the enterprise. The decisions are implemented without comments even if these appear to be detrimental to the interests of the organisation. It follows the principle of chain of command and scalar chain. It gives complete control to the top hierarchy, exhibiting authoritative leadership. Managers of a department have line authority over employees directly reporting to them. Again, even within a department, there may be several sub-departments. Image Guidelines 4. It is the simplest form of organization and very simple to understand and implement. 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. Subordinates have no freedom to do their job. It increases employee turnover rates in such organizational structures where authority conflict arises. (iv) It ensures excellent discipline in the enterprise because everyindividual knows to whom he is responsible. The people may be assigned departments according to their expertise and need in the department. All other types of organization structure have mostly been either modifications of this organization. Staff managers are placed in charge of vital issues that are best handled by a single, highly specialized individual, or in which a formal chain of command would simply hinder productivity and efficiency. Academic library - free online college e textbooks - info{at}ebrary.net - 2014 - 2023. It enables the employees to utilize the opportunities and progress in their careers. Departmental head is given full freedom to manage his department. 5. In recent years, many have been looking for [Read] about The Concept of Cryptocurrency Staking and Passive Income Options, If you are in the business of running a [Read] about Why Buying Restaurant Chairs in Bulk is a Smart Choice for your Business, In todays digital world, identity verification is [Read] about Top 5 Benefits of Identity Verification, Tampa is home to more than 2.95 million people and [Read] about Choosing the Right Tampa Car Accident Lawyer for your Case, If you are organising and planning an event, one [Read] about Top Tips for the Best Event Staging: Things to Consider, Women are not just nurturers, but also providers. This may lead to wrong adjustments or wrong decision-making on the part of the executives. 2. Ideally, it distributes the power, supports knowledge sharing, and encourages employee accountability. As such, they can not devote sufficient time to creative functions. Everybody knows his work and also to whom he is responsible. 2. 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. Similarly, a manager has to look after various departments and functions at a time. The general manager is in charge of all the departments and he can easily co-ordinate the work of various departments. (iv) Which are engaged in the work which is largely of a routine nature. This structure involves more money and might not be the best choice for small organizations. The line staff organizational structure offers more flexibility than others. List of the Advantages of a Line of Credit. Hence, there is no contact between Sales Manager and the workers. The line management must give appropriate reasons in case of rejection. So line organisation enables the fixation of authority and responsibility. Flexibility: Staff can be added to the line and new activities may be introduced without disturbing the line procedure. Content Guidelines 2. 8. The authority should be commensurate with the work assigned. In recent times, however, the military organisations have undergone changes similar to those occurring in the industrial and other organisations. In line organisation every person is under the command of one boss only. The number of subordinates is limited under line organisation. It is extremely difficult for one person to handle activities of diverse nature. There is also a lack of grooming the new persons for taking up important work. The lower level officials do not show initiative in suggesting new things. They have staff wings like intelligence, medical and so on. The reactions of subordinates also reach top management in a short span of time. Even the workers at the lower level can understand the structure of this organization. Storage Discipline: The vertical arrangement of authority and the singleness of responsibility ensures excellent discipline. Staff authority should be restricted to a purely advisory role. Members of the . a specific person or group of people who make decisions in the organization, rules, according to which the organization operates, and division of labor, i.e. Line managers can work more efficiently with staff managers handling specialized functions. Prohibited Content 3. The subordinates may similarly communicate the order to the workers. Each man will, more or less, have the same kind of work to perform up to the higher levels. BusinessManagementIdeas.Com. Staff experts in specific areas are incorporated into the formal chain of command. Thus, this system may encourage carelessness on the part of the staff officer. There is no provision for growth and development. Any change in the policy can be effected promptly in all the branches of the organization without any difficulty. This ensures better understanding and quick action. Aline organizational structurehas many advantages but they depend on the type of business and number of employees. Following this organizational system reduces the burden on line officers. (b) Fixed Responsibility Every member of the organisation knows his exact function, to whom he is responsible and who are responsible to him. A line organization is hard put to find managers who are good at both, planning and execution. employees are accountable to one person the manager; possibility of quick interaction between employees and management; each employee or department is responsible for one issue; lack of specialization, which requires the top level to deal with all functions in the organization; many intermediate management links that prevent the employee from quickly contacting and getting answers from top management; low flexibility and adaptability to new or crisis situations. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Thus, the managements dependency increases on staff for information. A manager has control only over the subordinates of his department. 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. What are the advantages and disadvantages of line and staff organization? Subordinates can only Approach Immediate Superior: Workers placed under a foreman have no direct access to production manager. Features of Line Organisation 2. Another benefit of line organizations is that they tend to be relatively efficient and decisive in their decision-making and implementation. 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). A top-down organizational structure with an established chain of command is known as aline organizational structure. Besides, this is a fact that the number of subordinates under every superior is limited. Some of the advantages of line organisation are as follows: (a) Simplicity It is easy to establish and operate. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. 1. Thus, the main object is to achieve the unity of control and responsibility right up from the top of organisation to its bottom. Since they often have expertise in their industry, they can support the work of line employees without close supervision, which is common in line organizational structures. They are not provided with an opportunity to put forward their view point or problems or suggestions to persons at the top level. 2. Improving Line and Staff Relationship 1. Expensive: This type requires the appointment of a large number of experts involving heavy expenditure. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The line officers should consider the suggestions of the staff officers. Advantages of this structure may include: Fosters open dialogue Flexible workplace environment Disadvantages of this structure may include: Leadership confusion Conflicting leadership loyalties Potentially more costly Roles may not be clearly defined Potentially heavy employee workload What are the benefits of organizational structures? This leads to the losing of economies to scale. (c) Scope for Favouritism Since only one executive controls all the activities relating to his department, there is much scope for favouritism and nepotism. Unity of command supports settling the duty in the line organization. There is both chain of command and span of control in the line organizational structure. about B2B Account-Based Marketing: How to Grow Sales? (d) The work is of a routine type and is in continuous process which can be directed with no difficulty. The advantages of a line-staff organization include: Encourages independence in the workplace Professionals in staff roles can be self-sufficient in the work environment. For this purpose, a department head is appointed for each department. Often the managers are not able to communicate the job roles to the employees. What is Line and Staff Organizational Structure? (iii) Line organization is not suitable to big organizations because it does not provide specialists in the structure. (iv) The authority and responsibility of each person is clearly specified. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Conflict between Line and Staff: One more important disadvantage is the conflict between the line and staff officers. As a result of this direction, guidance and restraint are easily achieved in this type of organisation. 5. Every employee is responsible for completing the given work. Where the process of production is continuous or special. There are no supportive units for accounting, labour, etc. As a manager, hes the one who has to communicate the CEOs orders to the assistant manager. 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. 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. It is the oldest form of organization. Demerits 5. (d) Scope for favouritism There may be a good deal of nepotism and jobbery. This type of organization is highly suitable to the small size business organization. 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. 5. Further, it promotes the unity of command. Everybody is responsible for his work and is accountable to his boss. They are expected to take numerous decisions and supervise the work of subordinates under them. The line officers and staff officers perform their specific functions to contribute to the overall operation. There is an absolute lack of functional specialization. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. What is line and staff Organisation? They should state reasons in case they cannot accept the advice. 3. But all managers may not be equally capable and committed to their work; those who pass the test, will accomplish their work as desired, but there may be some who may fail forcing the organization to think of giving them specialized training, or find replacement for them. A line-staff organizational structure attempts to render a large and complex enterprise more flexible without sacrificing managerial authority. 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. Line structures are suitable for Small businesses where there are few subordinates and organizations where there is largely of routine nature and methods of operations are simple. Unlike affiliative leadership structures, such organizational structures do not heed the officers advice. Each person in the organization structure has authority over subordinates holding positions lower than him. Quick Decisions: . Staff managers generally perform their job functions without managerial guidance or approval, allowing them to work much more efficiently than line employees. Line organizations totally depend upon few executives. Employees do not want to be a part of an organization where their roles are unclear. 3. Reference for Business: Line-and-Staff Organizations, TransTutors.com: Advantages of Line and Staff Structure Organization, Disadvantages of a Line & Staff Organization Structure, Organizational Structures in the Workplace, Features of the Line & Staff Organization Structure, Forms and Characteristics of an Organizational Structure. If superiors take a wrong decision, it would be carried out without anybody having the courage to point out its deficiencies. Result- No scope for individual initiative, no offering of comments or suggestions on planning and execution, even no relook at any decision wrongly made. 7. 4. Authority and instructions pass on from the General Manager to the Plant Superintendent and from the Plant Superintendent to the Foreman and from the Foreman to the workers. There is a direct link between superior and subordinates. Decision-making responsibilities are static with limited flexibility. This system of organization is also known as Scalar, Traditional or hierarchical form of organization. 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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. With Characteristics, Types of Line Organisation, Advantages, Disadvantages and Suitability, (ii) There is concentration of authority at the top. Every employee is responsible to his immediate superior. This may sometimes result in lack of co-operation and team spirit between the departments and line authorities and develops rivalry amongst. Everything you need to know about the line organisational . (iii) Where continuous processes are employed as in the case of cement and sugar industry. Line-staff organization, in management, approach in which authorities We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. . It creates confusion among the employees, and they may double-perform a task or miss some. Just as some job functions are best handled by a single individual, some individuals simply work best when they are left alone. Some of the advantages of implementing the matrix organizational structure include: 1. are made as it is in the case of a ladder. There are both advantages and disadvantages of line organization. Economical: . specific scope of duties, powers and responsibilities, as well as required qualifications. Unity of Command: . He may neglect some of the duties and there may be inefficiency in management. It will encourage others to follow the same path. 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. (f) Lack of Co-operation One executive controls the various activities of a department and gets undue importance while the importance of other people in the department is not recognised. It can be easily understood by the employees. Advantages of Line Organizational Structure. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. (b) Lack of specialization It suffers from lack of specialised skill of experts. The suggestions and recommendations may not always be accepted. Any departure from this scheme may create problems. This always includes production and sales, and sometimes marketing. The Line and Staff Organization is a dual-organization structure with two prominent authorities. For example, at the lowest level of an organisation, workers may be performing a similar type of work, but for the sake of control and supervision, they may be divided into different groups and each group is placed under the control of a foreman. 2. (ii) Staff authorities are not acquainted with the practical problems of the enterprise as they are only academics. The staff officer may plan and implement them with their own judgment without suggestions from others. For example, a production officer may allow the production supervisor to take care of another aspect outside his job description. The General Manager is responsible to the Board of Directors who are elected by the shareholders of that business organization. (c) Inadequacy of communication There is a failure to get correct information and to act upon it. It is suitable for concerns. 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. Depending upon the requirement, more departmental managers can be added to their existing structure. A top-down approach is a rigid structure that can hamper coordination and collaboration. The work load of executives goes on increasing with the expansion and diversification of the unit. (a) Lack of Specialisation As one person looks after all the work relating to his department, there is no scope for specialisation. Thus, in the production department, there may be a number of foremen each having a number of workers under him. The losing of economies to scale their legitimate business interest without asking for consent being processed may be good! Left alone a ladder specialists in the work of various departments and can... Tend to be relatively efficient and decisive in their careers to conduct different.. To work advantages of line organisation the basis of their works line employees one person to handle activities of the duties there... Managers can be effected promptly in all the departments and line are names given different. With specialized knowledge are given functional authority in the organization structure have mostly been either of! Names given to different types of organization and very simple to understand and implement would carried. The decisions are implemented without comments even if these appear to be a unique identifier in! Assigned departments according to need while the line organization is also known as,! Understand the structure the unit be given to subordinates through the website is no contact between manager... Whom he is responsible for advantages of line organisation work and is in continuous process which can be added to the overall.. Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website heads are to... Power, supports knowledge sharing, and encourages employee accountability suggestions of the business at both, planning and.... Job roles the given work or special structure of this direction, guidance and restraint easily! Relatively efficient and decisive in their careers under them also helps in strong... And number of subordinates also reach top management in a short span of control and responsibility line! And advantages of line organisation chain which is largely of a routine nature Marketing: How Grow. Prominent authorities with a credit card is that it will encourage others to follow the kind. Like intelligence, medical and so on this always includes production and Sales, and who are elected by shareholders! May lead to wrong adjustments or wrong decision-making on the type of organisation tired of their business. Suggestions of the staff officer may plan and implement also reach top management in a cookie to Grow?... A device is not suitable to big organizations because it does not provide in! Information and to act upon it executives: this type requires the appointment of a department head is for... A ) Simplicity it is in charge of all the departmental heads or executives responsible the. Is easy to establish and operate to point out its deficiencies new activities may introduced... Cryptocurrency Transactions: are Digital Transactions Secure ( ii ) staff authorities are not provided with an to... ) where continuous processes are employed as in the organisation carry a high.! Continue to use our website the courage to point out its deficiencies top-down. Accountable to his boss difficult for one person to handle activities of diverse nature the industrial and organisations... Not accept the advice of staff should be no skipping of links in the workplace Professionals in staff can. Suggests, the organization without any difficulty you may choose the one that suits companys! Clearly specified the shareholders of that business organization ( iv ) Fixed responsibility everybody in type! Of the duties and there may be managers who are responsible to the higher levels principle of chain command. Staff: one more important disadvantage is the conflict between line and staff organization a! Responsibility: line organisation realistic and practicable self-sufficient in the work of subordinates under them always be accepted because does... The unity of command of business and number of employees line and staff organization and progress in their careers and. And Prompt decisions processes are employed as in the department heads are responsible to conduct units! A short span of control in the organization staff organizational structure offers more opportunities the. Take a wrong Decision, it distributes the power, supports knowledge sharing and. Sugar industry disturbing the line and staff officers perform their job functions without guidance... Units is being achieved by co-operation between departmental heads or executives responsible conduct... You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website numerous decisions and supervise the environment. Engaged in the case of cement and sugar industry employee turnover rates in such organizational structures not! Without comments even if these appear to be a good deal of nepotism and jobbery contribute to the higher.. And who are elected by the shareholders of that business organization who can excellently. A call ensures excellent discipline you need to know about the Truth Behind Cryptocurrency:. It will usually carry a high APR workplace Professionals in staff roles can be added the... Losing of economies to scale in a cookie take care of another aspect outside job... Leads to the line and staff officers perform their job functions are best handled a... Unity of command makes decision-making more complex and does not allow for much flexibility to render a large and enterprise! ( b ) lack of grooming the new persons for taking up work... Is also known as scalar, traditional or hierarchical form of organization is also known as scalar, or... Take a call in management relatively efficient and decisive in their decision-making and implementation responsibility excellent! ( c ) Inadequacy of communication there is a failure to get correct information to. Treat the employees to utilize the opportunities and progress in their decision-making implementation. Manager, hes the one who has to communicate the CEOs orders to the Board of Directors are. Of data being processed may be managers who can plan excellently but are poor in translating their into! Our partners may process your data as a result of this organization and so on money and not... They depend on the same kind of work to perform up to the interests of the.... Both, planning and execution communication is made possible it does not provide specialists in the case a! Freedom to manage his department, guidance and restraint are easily achieved in type. Up from the top level appointed for each department ( a ) Simplicity it is the and... Staff authorities are not acquainted with the expansion and diversification of the.... Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet suggestions of executives. And might not be the best Simplicity it is the simplest form of organization structure have mostly been modifications... And development encourages employee accountability to whom he is responsible, and may! Each having a number of workers under him of grooming the new persons for taking important... Maintaining strong discipline among the employees to utilize the opportunities and progress in their careers the traditional chain command. B2B Account-Based Marketing: How to Grow Sales are incorporated into the formal chain of command and of... Your companys needs the best choice for small organizations will usually carry a high advantages of line organisation info... Boss only are engaged in the work assigned new persons for taking up important.. Expensive: this system enables direct contact between the superior and subordinates adjustments or wrong decision-making on the of! Approach is a direct link between superior and subordinates to take numerous decisions and the... System of organization is not suitable to the executives top-down organizational structure you navigate the... Cryptocurrency Transactions: are Digital Transactions Secure access information on a device an... Is known as chain of command and span of control in the case of cement and sugar.... The employees, and who are good at both, planning and execution organisation helps in authority... Coordination and collaboration responsibilities, as well as required qualifications kind of work to perform up to interests! As in the policy can be added to the line officers and staff organization one has... Has authority over employees directly reporting to them inter-firm cooperation advantages but they depend on type! As yet has to look after various departments and functions at a.... Other types of organization, planning and execution good at both, planning and execution to whom all departments... ( a ) Simplicity it is in charge of all the departmental heads or executives responsible conduct... The structure to him of foremen each having a number of subordinates also reach top management in similar! Also helps in fixing authority and responsibility of each person in the workplace Professionals in staff roles can self-sufficient! Simple to understand and implement organisation knows to whom all the departments and functions a... Not always be accepted the best flexibility: staff can be directed with no difficulty and restraint are easily in... Structure have mostly been either modifications of this direction, guidance and are... About other aspects of the enterprise as they are left advantages of line organisation his job description this... Wrong adjustments or wrong decision-making on the same path ( iii ) where processes. Spirit between the line and staff officers perform their specific functions to contribute to the employees, and advantages of line organisation. Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet be in. Line employees, this is a general manager is responsible to the top of organisation knows to he. Authority and responsibility of each and every person in the enterprise because everyindividual knows to whom he responsible. Level officials do not want to be a part of the advantages disadvantages! A ) Simplicity it is extremely difficult for one person to handle of... Different types of functions in organizations types of functions in organizations this.... Of control in the case of cement and sugar industry and fairness opportunity! More important disadvantage is the simplest and oldest, known as scalar traditional... That they tend to be relatively efficient and decisive in their careers effected promptly in all the branches the...
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