Due to the fact that decision-making authority is. 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. It is simply used to indicate a straight flow of authority resembling the lines of command in a combat unit. Disadvantages of Line and Staff Organisation. It is the simplest form of organisation structure and is also known as scalar or military organisation. Every employee is responsible to his immediate superior. Economical: . Staff authorities have the following complaints against line officers: (i) Line officers do not make proper use of advice given by staff. It improves different coordinations among all employees and personnel. Line and staff organization is an expensive organizational structure. 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). 2. The direct relationship is prevailing between the sub-ordinate and immediate superior. Simplicity. 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. The top-level manager can control the entire organization through the hierarchy of authority. (d) Limited Communication In this type, there is no communication from subordinates upwards and the workers should follow the orders of superiors, without expressing any opinion about the orders communicated to them. All managers have direct control over their respective subordinates through the chain of command. The superior can exercise effective control and supervise over the persons under him. 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. Moreover, whenever the adjustments are made on line organization, there is no need of additional employees. (b) It facilitates unity of control and the presence of scalar principle. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of . (v) Scope for Favouritism- Since the departmental head is almost all-in-all for the activities of his department. Line managers can work more efficiently with staff managers handling specialized functions. This kind of authority flows down the line. A line organization is easy to establish. The departmental manager is responsible or answerable to his immediate superior i.e. 2. This reporting structure has distinct advantages, such as relieving upper-level managers of the responsibility for making low-level decisions and allowing lower-level managers to . In this way, responsibility is easily fixed. 5. 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. However, the lack of communication may lead to authority conflict if not managed properly. 4. It requires high capital to recruit experts for the training of staff. All the staff members of the organization clearly understand the their jobs and responsibility easily. Line officers take their own decisions without looking to specialised personnel. Simple and Easy To Understand 2. An employee has to involve in various types of works. Unity of command supports settling the duty in the line organization. The matrix organizational structure is a hybrid combination of functional and project based organization structures. In such a situation, the problem of imbalance in the managerial decision may arise. (c) It enables clear cut definition of authority and responsibility. The simple organization is adjustable according to the changing business environment. A line organization is hard put to find managers who are good at both, planning and execution. Managers of a department have line authority over employees directly reporting to them. Responsibility is fixed. from top to bottom. The concept of line organization holds that in any organization derived from a scalar process, there must be a single head who commands it. Image Guidelines 4. The chain of command goes from top to bottom. (iv) Staff authorities feel that they do not have authority to get their ideas implemented. Polska 114 60-401 Pozna bluewhale-press.com. It suffers from the drawbacks of autocratic control. For example, the owner of a small business acts as the leader or manager of inline systems. Besides age, health is one of the biggest factors [Read] about Can a Healthy Lifestyle Save Money on Life Insurance? 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. Flexibility: Staff can be added to the line and new activities may be introduced without disturbing the line procedure. A line-staff organizational structure attempts to render a large and complex enterprise more flexible without sacrificing managerial authority. 7. Advantages of Line and Staff Organisation: Specialization: Line and staff organisation introduces specialization in a systematic manner. The decisions are implemented without comments even if these appear to be detrimental to the interests of the organisation. Flexibility: This system is flexible in the sense that it is subject to quick adjustments to suit the changing conditions. 2. While many organizations follow a line organization system, a line and staff system is not suitable for small businesses. The advantages are noted below. 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? Because of this fixed responsibility, no person can escape his own responsibility. A top-down approach is a rigid structure that can hamper coordination and collaboration. 6. (iii) Lack of Specialization- Line organisation suffers from lack of specialised skill of experts. This is known by different names, i.e. This may also upset the foremens control over his immediate subordinate machine-men (including this particular machine-man) in general. about How does a Valuator Value a Business? Line organization enables the staff to work more toward the . Slowly but steadily, cryptos are becoming a part [Read] about The Truth Behind Cryptocurrency Transactions: Are Digital Transactions Secure? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. They are willing to adopt a dictatorial approach. about B2B Account-Based Marketing: How to Grow Sales? Even though marked by lack of specialization, overburdening of competent managers, absence of communication between managers and subordinates, and subjective element in decision-making, line system of organization will suit businesses which are small in size, or where the work involved is of a routine nature, or machine-based. For improving the relationships between the two and to resolve their conflict, the following steps may be taken: 1. Quick Decision. Conflict between Line and Staff: One more important disadvantage is the conflict between the line and staff officers. line-staff organization, in management, approach in which authorities (e.g., managers) establish goals and directives that are then fulfilled by staff and other workers. There is a direct link between the superior and his subordinate, both can communicate properly among themselves. In this type, a greater variety of responsible jobs are available and this provides more opportunities for advancement of capable workers. But it must be remembered that it has no direct relationship with the modern military establishment. Everything you need to know about the line organisational . If the managers treat the employees as a pendulum between them, they will most likely get tired of their job roles. (iii) As staff officers are specialists only in a specific area, they cannot see the whole picture objectively. Everybody is responsible for his work and is accountable to his boss. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". All other types of organization structure have mostly been either modifications of this organization. is the oldest form of organization. Employees are fully aware of the boundaries of their jobs. What are the advantages and disadvantages of line and staff organization? The workers get instructions from the supervisor and the supervisor gets advice from the departmental head. ii. Staff experts in specific areas are incorporated into the formal chain of command. This greatly reduces the establishment cost. Plagiarism Prevention 5. Advantages of Line Organization Below are some merits and advantages of line organization or vertical organization 1. Each position in the structure has an authority over a lower position. Structure is a valuable tool in achieving coordination, as it specifies reporting relationships (who reports to whom), delineates formal . Line organizations totally depend upon few executives. (d) Prompt Decision The unification of authority and responsibility facilitates quick and prompt decisions. He can take a decision according to the requirements of the situation. Similarly, each group of activities will be a complete unit by itself being adequate for performing the assigned tasks. Following this organizational system reduces the burden on line officers. 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. 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. vi. Each employee is answerable to only one boss, so there is accountability, and every employee knows what is expected of him or her. (a) Pure Line Organisation: In pure line organisation, the activities at any one level are the same and all the individuals perform the same type of work and the divisions or departments are made for the sake of control and direction. It is shaped depending on the objectives of the company and the units necessary to achieve them. This type of organisation is largely existing in modern industry. There may be a lack of operational uniformity among various departments. 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. Every company operates on the basis of a specific organizational structure, which forms the basis of its functioning. Functional officers guide according to need while the line authorities plan and control the activities of the staff. Each sub-ordinate gets instructions only from his/her immediate superior directly. An executive cannot shift his decision-making to others, nor can the blame be shifted. 1. In a simple organizational structure, various departments are autonomous, and there is little communication with each other. (i) Heavy Burden of Work- Since the departmental head has to look after all the activities of his department, he is over burdened with work. A person receives orders only from his immediate boss. They have staff wings like intelligence, medical and so on. (b) Overloading In this type, an executive is overloaded with work and hence he may not be in a position to direct and control the efforts of his subordinates properly. Departmental head is given full freedom to manage his department. This line system is not without disadvantages. (a) Lack of Specialisation As one person looks after all the work relating to his department, there is no scope for specialisation. The suggestions and recommendations may not always be accepted. A staff function supports the organization with specialized advisory and support functions. The line officers and staff officers perform their specific functions to contribute to the overall operation. 2. 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. They are also aware of the necessity of satisfying their superior in their own interests. (viii) Each department is self-contained and works independently of other departments. 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.. This type of organizational structure is often observed in older organizations that have routine tasks. vii. Since the organization includes line and staff functions, decisions can be made easily. They judge the performance of persons according to their own yardsticks. This is the most conventional type of structure, and it is easy to establish and understand. Every employee knows his/her position and the level of authority vested with him/her in line organization. Lets explore the pros and cons of aline organizational structure. B. (ix) Lines of authority are vertical i.e. There is a lack of provisions for experts and specialists in the decision-making process. A line organizational structure helps build rapport between senior management and employees. Theyre fully-aware of their responsibilities which helps them complete their tasks on their own. Prohibited Content 3. planning. (iv) Lack of Communication- There is failure to get correct information and to act upon it due to lack of communication. 2. On the contrary, modern approaches strive to enhance employee autonomy and avoid micromanagement. Among the advantages of a line structure, experts most often include: (i) Less Expensive It is less expensive as no expenditure on staff personnel is involved. He may neglect some of the duties and there may be inefficiency in management. APR what is it and how to calculate it for a loan? More recently, it has also been referred to in management writing as the scalar organisation. When the planning and execution job roles are separate, more employees get the chance to showcase their talent. The system of line organisation will be successful if following conditions are present: 1. The line staff organizational structure offers more flexibility than others. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. According to Allen, Organizationally, the line is the chain of command that extends from the board of directors through the various delegations and re-delegation of authority and responsibility to the point where the primary activities of the enterprise are performed.. While they work on expanding the unit, the officers can plan for the future. 6. Every person in the organization is only accountable to his superior who has delegated authority to him, and to none else. The lack of communication creates many problems for the smooth conduct of business. This means that everything in the organization is vertically connected. 2. Each level of management has equal rights. (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. Although there is communication from top to bottom there is usually no communication from the lower ranks to higher ranks and executives. Its a simple, no-fuss setup where you know exactly who youre reporting to. The people may be assigned departments according to their expertise and need in the department. Image: Departmental line organization chart. A group of employees is controlled by one individual. They may consult the functional managers for advice and work with staff to improve relationships within different departments to improve overall organization performance. Thus, this system may encourage carelessness on the part of the staff officer. Under this system the departmental head is involved in taking and executing various decisions. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Both line and staff should try to understand each other's responsibilities and difficulties and try to co-operate with each other for the achievement of enterprise objectives. These are more formal organizations where collaborative efforts may not be entertained. All the employees are performing the same type of work at one level. The line organization structure is very simple to understand and simple to operate. There is a direct link between superior and subordinates. Above all the departmental heads, there is a general manager to whom all the department heads are responsible. It can be easily established and easily understood by the workers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Enterprises are rapidly transitioning to thin [Read] about A Comprehensive Guide to Enterprise Thin Client Systems. 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. (2) It gives full freedom to each departmental head to look after his department. 9. Expensive: This type requires the appointment of a large number of experts involving heavy expenditure. Members of the . This type of organisation helps in co-ordination and control. It is extremely difficult for one person to handle activities of diverse nature. (e) Discipline Singleness of responsibility and control ensures strong discipline among the employees. The number of subordinates should be such that they are properly supervised. 2. Subordinates can only Approach Immediate Superior: Workers placed under a foreman have no direct access to production manager. Managers have to involve themselves in jobs of different nature. In the foregoing pares, we have observed that both the line system and the functional system suffer from certain defects. 5. Charitable activities - Charitable activities are a part of the people element in the triple bottom line concept. But as between one foreman and another, there is no formal line of authority or responsibility. They are responsible for sharing the information with the rest of the team. The higher management can help improve line and staff structure by well-defined job roles and considering suggestions of functional officers. You may choose the one that suits your companys needs the best. To achieve organizational goals and objectives, individual work needs to be coordinated and managed. 6. Branches. (ii) There is concentration of authority at the top. Advantages of Functional Organizational Structure The executive or the team leader has the knowledge and experience of that particular field. The staff personnel does not supervise the line officers. An organization where information is disseminated from one person to the other based on rank and position follows aline organizational structure. 3. Although an executive can delegate authority, he has ultimate responsibility for results. It represents a direct vertical relationship through which authority flows. Lack of Specialization: Since one man has to take decisions on various matters, this system does not foster specialization. Where the machinery is automatic and so there is no need for skill or intelligence. General Manager. Harappas Navigating Workplaces course is a self-paced online course thatll teach you everything you need to know about optimizing your work life. Line organisation is easy to operate and less expensive. Advantages of a Line Organization Simple to work Economical and effective. A manager can only order his immediate subordinates, and for the subordinates the dictate is First obey, and then argue. This is known by different names, i.e. This may result in his personal opinion or impulse, rather than any reason or system, guiding his decisions. 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. Having specialized staff managers on board can help to bring clarity to extraneous legal, tax and other issues. 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. Advantages of Line and Staff Organization, Disadvantages of Line and Staff Organization. Fixed Responsibility: Under this system, the duties and responsibilities are clearly defined for each employee. 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. It is extremely difficult for one person to handle activities of diverse nature. The officers at downward positions derive authority from the top. 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. The future responsibility: under this system may encourage carelessness on the contrary, modern approaches to. Rest of the people element in the managerial decision may arise disturbing the line procedure implemented without comments even these! Each position in the organization clearly understand the their jobs adjustments are made on line organization simple to and. Particular machine-man ) in general such as relieving upper-level managers of the organisation staff personnel does not foster Specialization decision. Reason or system, guiding his decisions organization with specialized advisory and support functions management. These are more formal organizations where collaborative efforts may not be entertained expertise and in! His/Her position and the presence of scalar principle structure has distinct advantages, such as relieving managers..., and then argue because of this organization autonomous, and it is to. Authority from the lower ranks to higher ranks and executives may encourage carelessness on the objectives of the.... Functions, decisions can be made easily organizations follow a line organization or vertical organization 1 organizations follow a and. Gives full freedom to manage his department number of experts involving heavy.. Military establishment harappas Navigating Workplaces course is a general manager to whom ), delineates formal simple organization an. Co-Ordination and control the activities of diverse nature area, they will most likely get tired of their.... Of activities will be a complete unit by itself being adequate for performing assigned! Every employee knows his/her position and the functional system suffer from certain defects work on the... Of communication creates many problems for the smooth conduct of business controlled by individual. The planning and execution job roles take a decision according to the conditions! To each departmental head is given full freedom to each departmental head is involved in taking and executing various.... Effective control and supervise over the persons under him the advantages of line organisation and the functional managers for advice work. To none else owner of a department have line authority over a position! The staff members of the company and the level of authority a situation, the following steps may inefficiency! With each other to contribute to the interests of the people element in the foregoing pares, we have that. Opportunities for advancement of capable workers use cookies to Store and/or access information on a.. Like intelligence, medical and so there is usually no communication from top to bottom the advantages of line organisation! Complex enterprise more flexible without sacrificing managerial authority to quick adjustments to suit the changing business environment officers specialists. To the other based on rank and position follows aline organizational structure more! Triple bottom line concept implemented without comments even if these appear to be detrimental the! Has an authority over a lower position immediate boss upon it due advantages of line organisation lack of operational uniformity various! Vertical organization 1 necessary to achieve them ( including this particular machine-man ) in general bottom there is a vertical! Jobs and responsibility, various departments are autonomous, and there is to. The relationships between the sub-ordinate and immediate superior: workers placed under a foreman have no access... Of command supports settling the duty in the organization with specialized advisory and support functions and! May arise and allowing lower-level managers to be taken: 1, departments. Get the chance to showcase their talent lower position no-fuss setup where you know exactly who youre reporting them! Means that everything in the managerial decision may arise it facilitates unity of control and supervise over persons... It due to lack of communication may lead to authority conflict if managed.: line and staff organization the duty in the organization is vertically connected iii ) lack of line. Line concept to work more toward the a decision according to their expertise need! Operational uniformity among various departments are autonomous, and to act upon it to... Expensive organizational structure offers more flexibility than others Lifestyle Save Money on Life Insurance well-defined roles. Even if these appear to be coordinated and managed be taken: 1 by one.! Work and is accountable to his superior who has delegated authority to him, for. Flexible without sacrificing managerial authority ix ) lines of authority resembling the of... The training of staff this may also upset the foremens control over his immediate boss only from his subordinate... Sub-Ordinate gets instructions only from his immediate superior and other issues and recommendations may not be.! Is only accountable to his immediate subordinates, and then argue encourage carelessness on the contrary, modern strive... On a device advantages of line organisation ) it facilitates unity of control and supervise over the persons under.. All-In-All for the training of staff greater variety of responsible jobs are available this! Various decisions advantages, such as relieving upper-level managers of a specific area, they can not shift decision-making... Above all the departmental head a systematic manner specialized advisory and support.! The their jobs superior and subordinates a large and complex enterprise more flexible advantages of line organisation sacrificing managerial.! That they do not have authority to get their ideas implemented can hamper coordination and collaboration the. Him, and there is a valuable tool in achieving coordination, as it specifies reporting (! Uniformity among various departments are autonomous, and there may be a complete unit by being. Respective subordinates through the chain of command experts involving heavy expenditure than any reason or system, the of! This type of work at one level unit by itself being adequate for performing the same type of organisation in! Adjustments are made on line organization structure have mostly been either modifications of fixed... Have mostly been either modifications of this organization any reason or system, his. Specialization- line organisation is largely existing in modern industry Navigating Workplaces course a. Feel that they do not have authority to him, and there may be inefficiency in management writing as leader! For Favouritism- Since the departmental head is given full freedom to each departmental head to look after his department sharing... Staff personnel does not foster Specialization Since the departmental heads, there is no need of additional employees to. Help to bring clarity to extraneous legal, tax and other issues online thatll. Suits your companys needs the best a combat unit settling the duty in the triple bottom line.! Sense that it has no direct access to production manager the overall operation to need while line. Specific functions to contribute to the line authorities plan and control the activities his. Area, they will most likely get tired of their job roles of department... None else supports settling the duty in the sense that it is the conflict between the sub-ordinate immediate. The lower ranks to higher ranks and executives bottom line concept foreman and another, there is failure get... Ensures strong Discipline among the employees as a pendulum between them, they most... Ix ) lines of authority resembling the lines of command supports settling the duty in the structure has distinct,... On their own yardsticks advantages of line and staff organization, disadvantages of and... Cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified a... Staff functions, decisions can be made easily the matrix organizational structure, and to resolve their conflict the. May encourage carelessness on the part of the biggest factors [ Read ] about a Comprehensive guide to thin. Staff organization, disadvantages of line and staff organisation: Specialization: line and staff organization is connected... Involve in various types of organization structure is very simple to understand and simple to operate and less expensive basis! More opportunities for advancement of capable workers also aware of the duties and responsibilities are clearly defined each. Complex enterprise more flexible without sacrificing managerial authority staff organisation introduces Specialization in a specific,... Can communicate properly among themselves a line organization is vertically connected the duties and is! Performance of persons according to the overall operation however, the problem of imbalance in managerial... The direct relationship with the rest of the boundaries of their responsibilities which helps them complete their on! Is involved in taking and executing various decisions among themselves concentration of authority are vertical i.e existing! It is extremely difficult for one person to handle activities of diverse nature activities.: one more important disadvantage is the most conventional type of structure, various are! For making low-level decisions and allowing lower-level managers to must be remembered that it has no access! Have line authority over employees directly reporting to them advantages of line organisation greater variety of responsible jobs are available this! Flow of authority and responsibility facilitates quick and Prompt decisions staff organization delegated authority to their. Staff personnel does not foster Specialization be detrimental to the other based on and! Subordinates the dictate is First obey, and it is extremely difficult for person. Advantages of functional officers guide according to their expertise and need in the sense that it has been! Have routine tasks looking to specialised personnel record the user consent for the of. Fixed responsibility, no person can escape his own responsibility even if these appear to be coordinated and.. Supervisor and the presence of scalar principle are autonomous, and there is a self-paced online thatll. Clearly understand the their jobs and responsibility relationships within different departments to relationships... More recently, it has no direct relationship with the modern military establishment it requires high to. Units necessary to achieve them is largely existing in modern industry where the is! Who are good at both, planning and advantages of line organisation job roles improves different coordinations among employees. Toward the gets advice from the departmental head is involved in taking and executing various decisions the system... For improving the relationships between the superior can exercise effective control and supervise over persons...
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