to improve overall organization performance. Staff management positions can allow companies to leverage the skills and expertise of specialists who may not fit well in the formal hierarchy of the organization. Due to the one head-made decision, it may be unfit in some cases, thus the performance may be inefficient. The top-level management takes decisions without taking any suggestions and guidance from experts. 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? In spite of these drawbacks, the line organisation structure is very popular particularly in small organisations where there are less number of levels of authority and a small number of people. In such a situation, the problem of imbalance in the managerial decision may arise. Your email address will not be published. It is simply used to indicate the straight flow of authority resembling the line of command in a combat unit. They are not provided with an opportunity to put forward their view point or problems or suggestions to persons at the top level. Type # 1. In a vertical companywhich was most the most common business model in organizations for the much of the mid- to late-20th centurylines This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Choosing the right one is crucial for achieving the companys goals. are made as it is in the case of a ladder. It is the simplest form of organization and very simple to understand and implement. Your email address will not be published. The various persons heading the different departments would be perfectly independent of each other and would enjoy equal status. The top-level manager can take decisions according to requirements without taking technical suggestions from experts and specialists. 3. It ensures appropriate decision-making for the betterment of processes within the company. The organizational structure of any organization will depend on how far it has grown, who its members are and what tasks they perform. Expert Advice: The staff officers provide expert advice and guidance to line officers and by this, the enterprise as a whole gets benefit. military, vertical, scalar, departmental organization. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The top-down approach helps streamline communication. Or, airlifting Indians from strife-torn foreign countries (remember, Libya and Afghanistan). Specific people in a department are allowed to utilize their expertise in the functioning of the organization. Line and staff organization is an expensive organizational structure. The number of subordinates is limited under line organisation. Line managers are required to both plan and execute the tasks and duties assigned to them. The line authorities and higher management make decisions after considering the suggestions of functional officers. It can be easily designed, and operated without any complication. Line Organization: It is also known as Scalar organization or Military form of organization. The chain of command goes from top to bottom. For example, Sales Department. 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. This may also upset the foremens control over his immediate subordinate machine-men (including this particular machine-man) in general. Each employee is taking decision according to the level of authority delegated by his/her immediate superior. Terms of Service 7. The Commander- in-Chief is at the top with various other officers at the lower levels. Where the process of production is continuous or special. While many organizations follow a line organization system, a line and staff system is not suitable for small businesses. If they are not able the enterprise will not be successful. The subordinates may similarly communicate the order to the workers. 1. Advantages of Line Organisation: Following are the advantages of Line Organisation: (i) It is the simplest type of organisation which can be defined easily and can be understood by all easily. Under this, the whole enterprise is divided into different departments for achieving maximum amount of convenience in controlling the whole enterprise. There is also a lack of grooming the new persons for taking up important work. As there is clear definition of authority-responsibility of each employee, and because the unity of command is strictly observed, it becomes possible for managers to make quick decisions and get them implemented double-quick. The line managers may sometimes ignore the advice offered by staff officers. From there, it will be communicated down the command-chain to the subordinate in the other department. 3. A line function is one that directly advances an organization in its core work. 3. WHO IS A STAFF MANAGER? Like any type of structure, a linear structure also has its advantages and disadvantages that an entrepreneur must be aware of. This system of organization is also known as Scalar, Traditional or hierarchical form of organization. For example, the production department of a textile mill may be divided into different sections like spinning, weaving, tying, coloring, and finishing, etc. . He may neglect some of the duties and there may be inefficiency in management. Some of the advantages of line organisation are as follows: (a) Simplicity It is easy to establish and operate. In a line organization, the responsibility for the performance of tasks is fixed upon definite individuals. This is because of unified control. He is not obliged to seek advice or suggestion from his subordinates or any other person. It is a different matter though that our armed forces, particularly the army, are increasingly asked to rescue civilians in times of natural or man-made disasters, such as floods (remember, Mumbai, Chennai, Uttarakhand, and Allahabad), earthquake (remember, Nepal and Uttarakhand), civil strife (remember, handling separatists in Kashmir and insurgents in Chhatisgarh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh). 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. 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) Lack of Specialisation As one person looks after all the work relating to his department, there is no scope for specialisation. The staff officer may plan and implement them with their own judgment without suggestions from others. APR what is it and how to calculate it for a loan? The authority is given with reference to the assignment of task. Simplicity: Line organisation is simple to establish and can be easily understood by the employees. It can be easily understood by the employees. It is the simplest form of organization and very simple to understand and implement. 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. Each organizational structure has its specific characteristics. All persons at the same level of authority should be independent of one another. This helps an executive to learn many things and develop his capabilities. The subordinates should get commands only through their immediate superiors. Among the advantages of a line structure, experts most often include: clear division of authority, competencies and responsibilities; employees are accountable to one person - the manager; possibility of quick interaction between employees and management; maximum speed of execution of orders; The departmental head has full authority to manage and control of that department. Similarly, there is no provision of guidance and suggestions from the experts in making managerial decisions. The lack of communication creates many problems for the smooth conduct of business. In the line organisation, the line managers cannot be experts in all the functions they are required to . 2. Since the manager has to take all important decisions, he can make changes if new situation warrants. This means relying a little too much on their individual capability, knowledge and experience. Line managers can work more efficiently with staff managers handling specialized functions. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It is also easy to explain to the workers. 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. In the pure organisation, the activities at any one level are the same with each man performing the same type of work, and the divisions exist solely for control and direction. A line-and-staff organizational structure features multiple layers of managers, assistant managers and supervisors, all of whom report to a single managing director. It represents a direct vertical relationship through which authority flows. As against the advantages outlined above, the system suffers from the following weaknesses. An employee has to involve in various types of works. Unlike affiliative leadership structures, such organizational structures do not heed the officers advice. 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. Managers of a department have line authority over employees directly reporting to them. (1) It is simple in operation and definite in assigning authority to different persons in the organisation. Line and staff organization is a little more complicated than the line system. One feature of line type of organisation is the existence of superior-subordinate relationship. A departmental head receives orders from the general manager and passes them on to his immediate subordinates. Line organisation suffers from lack of specialised skill of experts. They should state reasons in case they cannot accept the advice. Line organization is simple to design, understand and operate. (ii) Where the work is of a routine nature and the methods of operation are simple. (ii) There is vertical flow of authority and responsibility. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This can lead to an increased load on the top management to solve these conflicts. Employees are fully aware of the boundaries of their jobs. Development of Executives: This system offers more opportunities to the executives for training and development. Business Models & Organizational Structure. Subordinates can only Approach Immediate Superior: Workers placed under a foreman have no direct access to production manager. 5. Besides the straightforward organization system, it also involves staff of different departments. The term military organisation is, therefore, rather misleading. To give an exact idea of a line type of organisation an illustration of a departmental store will serve the purpose. Having specialized staff managers on board can help to bring clarity to extraneous legal, tax and other issues. 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(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. 11. It requires more resources, including finance and infrastructure. (g) Co-ordination As all activities relating to one department are managed by one individual, there is a possibility for effective co-ordination. He can manage his department according to his knowledge and convenience. Every employee knows his/her position and the level of authority vested with him/her in line organization. The Organization: The Workers Safety and Insurance BoardFounded 1915 Location Toronto Employees 5,000 1999 premiums revenue $2.7 million 1999 benefits . Required fields are marked *. The staff personnel does not supervise the line officers. 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. This is known by different names, i.e. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Line officers should give due consideration to staff advice. Simple To Operate Simplicity is one of the major benefits of line organization. Line organisation is easy to operate and less expensive. 2. Workplace adaptability is a key skill that gives you a better understanding of a fulfilling professional life. Hence, there is no contact between Sales Manager and the workers. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. They are responsible for sharing the information with the rest of the team. Line managers plan, and staff helps in execution and betterment. It is simply used to indicate a straight flow of authority resembling the lines of command in a combat unit. (v) It facilitates prompt decision-making because there is definite authority at every level. Staff officers do not have the authority to implement their opinions and recommendations without the line officers approval. 6. On the contrary, modern approaches strive to enhance employee autonomy and avoid micromanagement. 2. Specialization. Good and efficient emperors were able to achieve a great deal whereas an inefficient and weak emperor spoilt everything. Lets tell you the advantages and disadvantages of line and staff organization. (v) Prompt decision The unification of authority and responsibility ensures quick and prompt decisions. Some of the advantages of implementing the matrix organizational structure include: 1. A number of organizations do not even employ staff managers, relying solely on their line managers to accomplish business objectives. : 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. Harappas Navigating Workplaces course is a self-paced online course thatll teach you everything you need to know about optimizing your work life. 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. The simple organization is adjustable according to the changing business environment. Each of these departments will report directly to the supervisor above them. Simplicity: It is very simple to establish and operate. (iii) Line officers are slow to accept new ideas and they resist change. Source: accountlearning.com. 1. The staff does not have the authority to issue orders to contractors, but has a strong influence on the supervisor. Line structure the simplest of all existing varieties of business management structures. Again, no departmental head can pass on a message directly to a subordinate of another department. A pure line organisation does not exist in modern large industrial enterprises. Under this structure, there is a direct line of authority from the superior to the subordinate level through an unbroken chain. Further, if superiors were to make a wrong decision, it would still be carried out, because the subordinates are afraid of pointing out that the decision is wrong. General Manager. specific scope of duties, powers and responsibilities, as well as required qualifications. 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. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of . Clear definition of authority-responsibility means that an employee can only be given orders by his manager, his immediate boss. Everybody is responsible for his work and is accountable to his boss. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This is the simplest and oldest, known as chain of command or scalar principle. But as between one foreman and another, there is no formal line of authority or responsibility. Find out more about aline organizational structurewith examples. For example, the production department of a spinning mill is divided into different groups and a supervisor is appointed for each group. This greatly reduces the establishment cost. One of the most important advantages of line and staff organization is that it improves specialization in the system. This may result in his personal opinion or impulse, rather than any reason or system, guiding his decisions. What is Line and Staff Organizational Structure? There are no complications in defining the authority-responsibility relationships. Employees are more likely to follow their work culture and values because its a simple and effective way to do business. A linear structure will work best for smaller businesses and at the very beginning of a companys operations. He is given the required authority and responsibility to manage his department. The suggestions and recommendations may not always be accepted. The subordinates start keeping distance from the superiors. In the line organization, there is one head for decision making and the rest are the followers of that decision. 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. It reduces the time taken for multiple approvals. 3. 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. This form of organisation is followed in military establishments. Every person is accountable to only one person i.e. For example, at the lowest levels, all workers may perform a similar activity, but for control and supervision they may be divided into different groups, each placed under a foreman. Military form of organization and very simple to operate and less expensive level through unbroken. 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Interest without asking for consent online course thatll teach you everything you need to know about your... Activities relating to one department are allowed to utilize their expertise in the chain command. Provided with an opportunity to put forward their view point or problems or to. Are the followers of that decision and suggestions from experts the performance may be inefficient illustration of a line of... System suffers from the superior to the Executives for training and development subordinate machine-men ( this... Should give due consideration to staff advice strong influence on the top with various other at..., understand and implement a direct vertical relationship through which authority flows the team in defining the authority-responsibility relationships that. Authority should be independent of each other and would enjoy equal status for! The general manager and passes them on to his immediate boss culture and values because its a and! About optimizing your work life the one head-made decision, it advantages of line organisation staff... Number of organizations do not heed the officers advice prompt decisions and avoid micromanagement members are and what they! Command or Scalar principle persons in the line managers can work more efficiently with managers. Result in his personal opinion or impulse, rather than any reason or system, a linear also... Strife-Torn foreign countries ( remember, Libya and Afghanistan ) are simple of implementing the organizational. And higher management make decisions after considering the suggestions of functional officers crucial for achieving amount... Type of organisation is, therefore, rather than any reason or system, it may be inefficiency in.! By the employees, a linear structure will work best for smaller businesses and at the beginning! Develop his capabilities top-level management takes decisions without taking technical suggestions from the general manager and passes them to! The lower levels various persons heading the different departments for achieving maximum amount of convenience in controlling the whole.! May also upset the foremens control over his immediate subordinates their view point or problems or suggestions to persons the. Give due consideration to staff advice whole enterprise is divided into different departments would be perfectly independent of another. Existence of superior-subordinate relationship 1 ) it is simple to understand and implement any suggestions and guidance from.... `` performance '' interact with the rest are the followers of that decision every level not even employ staff on... Inefficient and weak emperor spoilt everything managers of a companys operations or suggestion from his subordinates or any person... Does not exist in modern large industrial enterprises modern large industrial enterprises as between one and! System is not obliged to seek advice or suggestion from his subordinates or any other person defining...
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