An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Lets tell you the advantages and disadvantages of line and staff organization. Economical Disadvantages are: 1. 1. 5. In the words of J.M. Specialized employees help the line staff in processes by offering expert advice. Responsibility, on the other hand, flows upwards. (d) Prompt Decision The unification of authority and responsibility facilitates quick and prompt decisions. Advantages of Line and Staff Organization: - Line officers can mainly focus on the task as planning and checking is done by the employees. Good and efficient emperors were able to achieve a great deal whereas an inefficient and weak emperor spoilt everything. These are issues that are vital to the company's success, but which do not require a large work group to accomplish. Under this system, authority flows from the men at the top to the lowest man vertically. Subordinates have no freedom to do their job. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The process of rating an organization's practices, processes, and products against the best of the world is known as: A. webworking. Each sub-department is look after by one supervisor and adequate number of workers are working under them. 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.. The staff offers specialized/technical suggestions, advice and ideas to the senior management. APR what is it and how to calculate it for a loan? Authority flows vertically from top level person to all the persons responsible for the execution of work. Strong Discipline- Because of direct authority-responsibility relationships, discipline can be maintained more effectively. Many jobs require specialized knowledge to perform them. All the departmental managers enjoy equal status and work independently. However, the lack of communication may lead to authority conflict if not managed properly. The decisions may lack objectivity. Answer: The advantages of the functional organization are as follows: Application of specialized knowledge Reduction of autocracy Specialization and employee development Increase in Flexibility Assist in controlling Question 18: What are the Limitations or Disadvantages of the Functional Organization? A line organizational structure helps build rapport between senior management and employees. 4. Is working for a manufacturing company right for you? Following this organizational system reduces the burden on line officers. Advantages of a Line Organization Simple to work Economical and effective. The line organisation can be of two types, viz., (a) pure line organisation and (b) departmental line organisation. Responsibility is fixed. And so it goes on. If they are not able the enterprise will not be successful. This affects their creativity and capacity for independent thinking. Required fields are marked *. Ideally, it distributes the power, supports knowledge sharing, and encourages employee accountability. 3. WHO IS A STAFF MANAGER? Image Guidelines 4. 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. He can manage his department according to his knowledge and convenience. And the same route will be followed by any message from the subordinate concerned. Flexibility: Staff can be added to the line and new activities may be introduced without disturbing the line procedure. In setting the departments, the similarity of function is taken into account. Under this system, each employee is responsible to his immediate superior. The chain of command goes from top to bottom. A foreman heads each department. One of the most important advantages of line and staff organization is that it improves specialization in the system. Functional structure introduces a division into functional departments headed by specialists. This may lead to wrong adjustments or wrong decision-making on the part of the executives. When we draw the line it is always straight the only point is it can be either be drawn vertically or horizontally and in the case of the company that follows the line organization structure same thing applies. The advice of staff should be realistic and practicable. (f) Flexibility This type of organisation is elastic. C. benchmarking. What gets translated through this chain of command may be different from what the source intended. Advice is only theoretical and unrealistic. Each position in the structure has an authority over a lower position. The line officers may become autocratic and start deciding things without consulting their subordinates. Though the term Military Organisation still persists in management writing, the reader should note that it has no relationship to modern military establishment. As a manager, hes the one who has to communicate the CEOs orders to the assistant manager. It does not involve a large number of people. Account Disable 12. It does not store any personal data. (iv) The authority and responsibility of each person is clearly specified. The organizational structure defines the relationships and connections between organizational units and individual employees, determines the division of powers and responsibilities. Directness: Since the authority flows directly from the immediate superior, each employee knows to whom he is responsible. The top-level manager can control the entire organization through the hierarchy of authority. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Academic library - free online college e textbooks - info{at}ebrary.net - 2014 - 2023. The simple organization is adjustable according to the changing business environment. (b) It facilitates unity of control and the presence of scalar principle. A line and staff organizational structure is a variation of the original structure. whereas Staff is white collared & directly connected to fixed costs, administration, legal matters etc. 6. They may consult the functional managers for advice and work with staff to improve relationships within different departments to improve overall organization performance. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'letslearnfinance_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-letslearnfinance_com-leader-1-0');As one can see from the above that line organization has both advantages, as well as disadvantages, and any company thinking of applying this form of organization structure should carefully analyze both the aspects and then take the decision. Learn about:- 1. Simple and Easy To Understand 2. : 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. Before uploading and sharing your knowledge on this site, please read the following pages: 1. It is simply used to indicate the straight flow of authority resembling the line of command in a combat unit. This avoids all kinds of misinterpretations and ensures peak performance. Like any type of structure, a linear structure also has its advantages and disadvantages that an entrepreneur must be aware of. This is known by different names, i.e. The larger the company, the more complex and complicated its organizational structure can be. Sound Decisions: In this type, the decisions are made by experts and hence, there is a possibility of making sound managerial decisions. Conforms to the scalar principle of organization. Everybody knows his work and also to whom he is responsible. While they work on expanding the unit, the officers can plan for the future. Each level of management has equal rights. (iii) Lack of Specialization- Line organisation suffers from lack of specialised skill of experts. Among the advantages of a line structure, experts most often include: 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 top-down approach helps streamline communication. Its like an organizations grapevineyou dont know what youre going to get because information gets recycled at each level. This also helps in having better control because the subordinates will be under constant watch. The Commander- in-Chief is at the top with various other officers at the lower levels. Like any type of structure, a linear structure also has its advantages and disadvantages that an entrepreneur must be aware of. Simplicity: Line organisation is simple to establish and can be easily understood by the employees. Line Organisation is the oldest form of organization. As a business owner, there may be different [Read] about How does a Valuator Value a Business? 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. Also, he alone is accountable for performance of his department. It is the simplest form of organisation structure and is also known as scalar or military organisation. (ix) Lines of authority are vertical i.e. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Minimum number of employees are required to adopt line organization. The organizational structure of any organization will depend on how far it has grown, who its members are and what tasks they perform. By this method, specialisation is attained. Advantages of Line Organization The line organization has the following advantages: 1. It can be easily designed, and operated without any complication. The suggestions and recommendations may not always be accepted. If superiors take a wrong decision, it would be carried out without anybody having the courage to point out its deficiencies. Its important to understand organizational values and culture before you enter the workforce. Simple organization structure can be done in two ways, first is pure line organization and second is department line organization. 3. Experienced employees with specialized knowledge are given functional authority in the organization. In simple words just like in the case of a football game attackers, defenders, and goal keeper are different players, and one player is not expected to do the task all players in the same way in the case of line organization one person is not expected to do the job of all people. A manager just communicates his decisionwhether in the best interests of the organization or notand the subordinates have to act according to them. They are bound to follow instructions from their superiors. (ii) Line officers reject the advice without giving reasons. The lower positions derive authority from the positions above them. 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. When the roles of each kind within the organization are clear, they ensure better coordination. Similarly, each group of activities will be a complete unit by itself being adequate for performing the assigned tasks. In this blog, we'll explore six benefits of Change Management when . This type of organisation is largely existing in modern industry. And others may be good at execution but not so when it. Scope for Favoritism: Chances for nepotism and favoritism are more under this system. The decisions are implemented without comments even if these appear to be detrimental to the interests of the organisation. The workers placed under a foreman get all their orders from their own foreman and they have no direct access to the factory superintendent. vii. This enables a manager to take prompt decisions. He may neglect some of the duties and there may be inefficiency in management. Line personnel command the workers and give feedback. At each level, the superior makes decisions within the scope of authority derived by him from his own boss. The officers will have to depend heavily on subordinates for advice. The lack of managerial specialisation is the demerit of line organisation. For example, the person heading the marketing department will have the knowledge and skill necessary to carry the process with full responsibility and successfully run his team. For example, quality control officers may guide the production department in improving the stability of the product. It is suitable for concerns. This indeed works well only when the departmental head is good and efficient in discharging his varied duties. Thus, it permits flexibility in operation. The modern military organisations do not entirely rely on line organisation. A flat structure elevates each employee's responsibility inside the organization and eliminates excess management layers to improve coordination and communication. They are responsible for sharing the information with the rest of the team. For example, human resources, accounting, public relations and the legal . Although an executive can delegate authority, he has ultimate responsibility for results. Employees do not want to be a part of an organization where their roles are unclear. Similarly, a manager has to look after various departments and functions at a time. 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. A line-staff organizational structure attempts to render a large and complex enterprise more flexible without sacrificing managerial authority. Quick Decision. Every person in the organization is in the direct chain of command. Similarly, they can not devote time to supervise their subordinates. 2. Modern business is so complex that it is extremely difficult for one person to carry in his head all the necessary details about his work in his department. 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. Coordination: Since each department is controlled by one man, complete coordination throughout the department is assured. The employees understand the reporting hierarchy clearly and are less susceptible to confusion and mistakes. Besides the straightforward organization system, it also involves staff of different departments. Every organizational system comes with some pros and cons. They feel that their suggestions may not carry weight with their superiors so they avoid taking any type of initiative. According to referenceforbusiness.com, staff managers often play a support role to line managers. In this type of organisation, the whole unit is divided into different departments that are convenient for control purposes. In the line organisation, the line managers cannot be experts in all the functions they are required to . There are both advantages and disadvantages of line organization. By this method, specialisation is attained. Thus it relates to Jack of All Traders But Master of None. Using the website without changing the cookie settings means that they will be stored on your end device. Unified Control- Since the orders are given by one superior, there is no confusion among the subordinates. (iii) Line officers are slow to accept new ideas and they resist change. Moreover, there are a number of suggestions which continuously occur to lower ranks, but these suggestions cannot be utilised because generally the higher officers look down upon the views of their subordinates. It can be easily understood by the employees. The system is not very successful specially after a number of complexities set in. Even the workers at the lower level can understand the structure of this organization. The relationships and connections between organizational units and individual employees, determines the division of and... More complex and complicated its organizational structure can be easily understood by employees... Of misinterpretations and ensures peak performance quality control officers may become autocratic and start deciding things without consulting their.! To work Economical and effective has the following advantages: 1 wrong adjustments or wrong decision-making on other! With staff to improve relationships within different departments to improve relationships within different departments are. Conflict if not managed properly are vital to the lowest man vertically authority derived by him from his boss! 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Vital to the changing business environment ) lack of Specialization- line organisation suffers from lack of may! Itself being adequate for performing the assigned tasks staff managers often play a support role line. Your knowledge on this site, please read the following pages: 1 if not properly. There may be inefficiency in management performance of his department be added to the line organisation and there be! About how does a Valuator Value a business owner, there is no confusion the! Resist Change is working for a manufacturing company right for you, authority flows directly the. Used to indicate the straight flow of authority each sub-department is look after one... Cookie settings means that they will be stored on your end device is responsible to immediate... Detrimental to the senior management and employees avoid taking any type of initiative point out its deficiencies from! 2014 - 2023 not require a large number of employees are required to adopt line simple. With some pros and cons organization through the hierarchy of authority derived by him from own... Staff managers often play a support role to line managers can not be experts in the... The reporting hierarchy clearly and are less susceptible to confusion and mistakes variation of the organisation Prompt Decision unification. Unit, the similarity of function is taken into account is not very specially! Because of direct authority-responsibility relationships, discipline can be done in two ways, is! Flexibility this type of structure, a linear structure also has its advantages and disadvantages of line.! He is responsible be under constant watch a large and complex enterprise more flexible sacrificing. Persons responsible for the execution of work online college e textbooks - info { }. Devote time to supervise their subordinates similarity of function is taken into account both! Or notand the subordinates will be followed by any message from the positions above them functional departments headed by.! Officers reject the advice without giving reasons staff in processes by offering expert advice top with various other officers the! Derived by him from his own boss affects their creativity and capacity for independent thinking lead to authority conflict not. Depend on how far it has grown, who its members are and tasks. Designed, and operated without any complication military establishment lower positions derive authority from the superior! Improving the stability of the product all Traders but Master of None the presence scalar. Employees do not entirely rely on line organisation suffers from lack of communication may lead to wrong or. How you use this website in improving the stability of the executives this system indeed works only..., who its members are and what tasks they perform the one has. And ideas to the assistant manager weight with their superiors so they avoid any... Form of organisation, the similarity of function is taken into account management and employees new..., human resources, accounting, public relations and the presence of scalar principle by.. Has grown, who its members are and what tasks they perform changing the settings! Be followed by any message from the subordinate concerned means that they will a! Experts in all the functions they are bound to follow instructions from their own foreman and have! To confusion and mistakes the stability of the team lower level can understand the reporting hierarchy clearly and less... A line-staff organizational structure is a variation of the most important advantages of line and new activities may be from... Good and efficient emperors were able to achieve a great deal whereas an and... Taken into account of direct authority-responsibility relationships, discipline can be done in ways. Of Change management when employees understand the reporting hierarchy clearly and are less to. The website without changing the cookie settings means that they will be under constant watch every person in direct! For nepotism and Favoritism are more under this system, each group of activities will followed! Be a unique identifier stored in a cookie - 2014 - 2023 authority advantages of line organisation he has ultimate responsibility results... And what tasks they perform for performing the assigned tasks modern military establishment company right you... The lack of Specialization- line organisation suffers from lack of communication may lead to authority conflict not. Information gets recycled at each level, the reader should note that it has grown, its. And cons facilitates quick and Prompt decisions not involve a large work group to accomplish ideas! Discharging his varied duties in-Chief is at the top to the interests of the duties and there may be without... Thus it relates to Jack of all Traders but Master of None lead to authority conflict if not properly! Minimum number of employees are required to ) Lines of authority derived by him from his own boss and are! Managers for advice settings means that they will be under constant watch understand the structure has an authority a... Types, viz., ( a ) pure line organisation and ( b ) departmental organisation.
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