Line managers can work more efficiently with staff managers handling specialized functions. Moreover, whenever the adjustments are made on line organization, there is no need of additional employees. This type of organisation is largely existing in modern industry. (i) There are many levels of management depending upon the scale of business and decision-making ability of managers. A top-down organizational structure with an established chain of command is known as aline organizational structure. Decision-making responsibilities are static with limited flexibility. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Simplicity. Each sub-ordinate gets instructions only from his/her immediate superior directly. 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 Demerits 5. Further it is easier to fix up the responsibility if there is any lapse anywhere in the performance of activities. Economical: Of all the systems of organization, it seems to be more economical because it is less elaborate and less complicated. In this model chart, the enterprise has three departments or shops namely, Foundry shop, Machine shop and Assembling shop. 2. At each level, the superior makes decisions within the scope of authority derived by him from his own boss. To achieve organizational goals and objectives, individual work needs to be coordinated and managed. (d) The work is of a routine type and is in continuous process which can be directed with no difficulty. Your email address will not be published. Publisher Blue Whale Press sp. There are no staff personnel for consultation too. From there, it will be communicated down the command-chain to the subordinate in the other department. Often the managers are not able to communicate the job roles to the employees. 8. 2. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. So within the limits of his authority, he feels free to adjust and adapt his activities to realize the objectives set for him by his superior. Although a line structure isnt as common as it used to be, it still exists in organizations that have been around for years. A number of organizations do not even employ staff managers, relying solely on their line managers to accomplish business objectives. Lack of Initiative: Since there is utmost concentration of authority in the hands of the top management, the section heads will lose their initiative. The modern military organisations do not entirely rely on line organisation. A line manager is responsible of achieving the main objectives of the organization by executing main functions such as policy making, target setting and decision making. Staff managers, on the other hand, sit outside of the official hierarchy, and are tasked with autonomously overseeing a particular function, such as tax accounting. In a line organization, authority follows the chain of command. How Outdoor Advertising Can Help Your Business Grow, Hybrid Events: How to Make the Most of Stationary and Remote Employees. Existence of superior-subordinate relationship. An employee has to involve in various types of works. For example, it is not possible for a foreman alone to give full guidance on all matters relating to use of materials, use of machines, methods, personnel practice, and so on. It is by far the oldest form of organization. This is the oldest and simplest form of the organization and is popularly known as military organization. Fixed Authority And Responsibility Responsibility is fixed. 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. Advantages of Line Organisation: ADVERTISEMENTS: Line organisation offers the following advantages: (a) It is simple to operate and easy to understand. For example, the production department of a textile mill may be divided into different sections like spinning, weaving, tying, coloring, and finishing, etc. The lower positions derive authority from the positions above them. 5. Each department is under the control of a departmental head who is completely responsible for organising the department. Every person in the organization is in the direct chain of command. 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. 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. What is Strategy Implementation and How To Implement it? Enterprises are rapidly transitioning to thin [Read] about A Comprehensive Guide to Enterprise Thin Client Systems. The quantum of authority is highest at the top and reduces at each successive level down the hierarchy. Hence, this system over loads him and consumes most of his energy with the details of the operation. Effective Control and Supervision: This may sometimes result in lack of co-operation and team spirit between the departments and line authorities and develops rivalry amongst. v. Prompt Decisions- As the superiors enjoy full authority, quick decisions are taken by them. Every unit is complete in itself as far as the functions are concerned. Among the advantages of a line structure, experts most often include: 2. General Manager. Hence, less expenses is incurred for adopting line organization. (ii) Staff authorities are not acquainted with the practical problems of the enterprise as they are only academics. Surajs workplace follows a hierarchy. Its like an organizations grapevineyou dont know what youre going to get because information gets recycled at each level. Plagiarism Prevention 5. (e) Discipline Singleness of responsibility and control ensures strong discipline among the employees. This enables a manager to take prompt decisions. If, therefore, something happens to an efficient manager, the future of the department and of the concern as a whole would be in jeopardy. If the executives try to keep up with every activity, they are bogged down in myriad details and are unable to pay proper attention to each one. Staff managers generally perform their job functions without managerial guidance or approval, allowing them to work much more efficiently than line employees. One of the most important advantages of line and staff organization is that it improves specialization in the system. The executive may appoint and promote his own men in various positions ignoring the claim of efficient persons. Under him, there are a number of departments each headed by a department manager. It does not involve a large number of people. You may say that it is limited line authority. Each position in the organisation structure has authority over its lower positions and similarly, each position derives authority from the one above. (g) Co-ordination As all activities relating to one department are managed by one individual, there is a possibility for effective co-ordination. The managerial growth also suffers because lower level persons are not involved in decision-making process. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Unified Control. 7. A manager can only order his immediate subordinates, and for the subordinates the dictate is First obey, and then argue. Every employee is responsible for completing the given work. Line organization has direct vertical relationship. This is the simplest and oldest, known as chain of command or scalar principle. The authority is given with reference to the assignment of task. 1. Likewise, several groups are formed and placed under the control of an individual for the sake of convenience of control. The direct relationship is prevailing between the sub-ordinate and immediate superior. They are the doorstep people who do and make things happen for accomplishment of organizational objectives. 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. This is the simplest and the oldest type of all organisational forms and is popularly called or known as military organisation. Image: Departmental line organization chart. Change Management is a critical element of any transformation initiative, and if done right, it can offer substantial benefits to an organization's bottom line. to improve overall organization performance. Each position in the structure has an authority over a lower position. 4. However, there is a risk: in this structure the functions of managers sometimes overlap and when a problem arises it is difficult to determine whose fault it is. Image Guidelines 4. Thus, the functional authorities may think their suggestions are not taken well. So it can be operated simply and clearly. Reduce energy Expenses - Under the triple bottom line method, the organizations are encouraged to use renewable energy. Advantages of Functional Organization The executive or the team leader has good knowledge and experience in that particular field. If the managers treat the employees as a pendulum between them, they will most likely get tired of their job roles. Since one man controls the whole show, the subordinates have to dance according to his tune. 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. (ix) Lines of authority are vertical i.e. Another benefit of line organizations is that they tend to be relatively efficient and decisive in their decision-making and implementation. The business is dependent upon some key persons and the sudden disappearance of such persons from the scene may create instability in the business. Clear-cut division of authority and responsibility- The authority and responsibility of every person is clearly defined. The higher management must clarify the roles of functional, staff, and line officers and executives. This may become the reason for lack of co-ordination among different departments. about 5 Ways your Company can Achieve Regulatory Compliance. Advantages and Disadvantages of Line Organization. (h) Definition of Authority As the powers and authorities of various person are defined, the conflict in their powers and authorities is avoided. Line managers plan, and staff helps in execution and betterment. Using the website without changing the cookie settings means that they will be stored on your end device. 4. The larger the company, the more complex and complicated its organizational structure can be. There should be a hierarchical arrangement of giving commands. The open office arrangement has the fantastic benefit of enhancing business culture. They can rely on personal judgment and take a call. The line organization has the following advantages: 1. (iii) Strong discipline It ensures excellent discipline. The leaders follow the line, staff, and functional authority. Line managers are vital to the success of any growing business. Economical: . (iv) It ensures excellent discipline in the enterprise because everyindividual knows to whom he is responsible. Further promotion of the workers would depend upon the reports made about them by the foreman concerned. By this method, specialisation is attained. Find out more about aline organizational structurewith examples. It is also easy to explain to the workers. There is also a lack of grooming the new persons for taking up important work. He is given the required authority and responsibility to manage his department. 1. This line system is not without disadvantages. immediate boss. What are the advantages and disadvantages of line and staff organization? (c) It enables clear cut definition of authority and responsibility. (b) Fixed Responsibility Every member of the organisation knows his exact function, to whom he is responsible and who are responsible to him. Line or military type of organisation is the oldest type of organisation. While better coordination is an advantage of line and staff organizational structure, it can also be the other way. Lack of Specialization: Since one man has to take decisions on various matters, this system does not foster specialization. It is extremely difficult for one person to handle activities of diverse nature. Since they are to take decisions with regard to every aspect of business, the quality of decisions may suffer. Thus, they lose their capacity for independence thinking. Since authority and responsibility flow in an unbroken straight line, it is called line organisation. Under this system, each employee is responsible to his immediate superior. It is not possible to achieve the advantages of specialisation in all fields. Theyre fully-aware of their responsibilities which helps them complete their tasks on their own. It means the staff authority may work to facilitate the process in line control. This structure is suitable for large organizations but not the best choice for small businesses. This means relying a little too much on their individual capability, knowledge and experience. They have staff wings like intelligence, medical and so on. A staff function supports the organization with specialized advisory and support functions. These are more formal organizations where collaborative efforts may not be entertained. This greatly reduces the establishment cost. This leads to the losing of economies to scale. 6. about The Truth Behind Cryptocurrency Transactions: Are Digital Transactions Secure? He does not have to carry out orders of two or more managers, thus clearing any confusion about whose orders to give priority in performance. 11. 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. The decisions are implemented without comments even if these appear to be detrimental to the interests of the organisation. The biggest disadvantage of line organization is that since it is one man show the lack of specialization is clearly visible in such type of organization as each job requires different skills to complete the job effectively and efficiently and one man cannot learn all the skills alone so there will be always that lack of knowledge or specialization in case of line organization. Since the departmental head is almost all-in-all for the activities of his department. Hence, this is unstable. Also, he alone is accountable for performance of his department. Simple To Operate Simplicity is one of the major benefits of line organization. While in the line organisation, there is too much concentration of control, in the functional organisation, there is too much division of control. Secondly, there should be only one chain, i.e., command should be received from only one immediate superior. Fewer levels between employees . Polska 114 60-401 Pozna bluewhale-press.com. Line structure and line and staff organizational structures are two basic organizational structures. 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. Above all the departmental heads, there is a general manager to whom all the department heads are responsible. He may neglect some of the duties and there may be inefficiency in management. However, the lack of communication may lead to authority conflict if not managed properly. b. Communication is fast and easy and feedback can be acted upon faster. All managers have direct control over their respective subordinates through the chain of command. 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. Management should not ignore the guidance and development advice offered by functional officers. It means a subordinate is responsible to only one superior. This type of organization is highly suitable to the small size business organization. Communication- Communication is fast and easy as there is only vertical flow of communication. However, this system can be suitably followed: Line Organization | Characteristics | Types | Advantages | Disadvantages, Project Organization | Types | Advantages | Disadvantages, Centralized & Decentralized organizations | Strength & Weaknesses, Centralization and decentralization of Organization, Functional Organization | Nature of functional foremanship, Functional Authority | Definition | Examples |, Western managers vs Eastern managers: difference in, Problems of supervision | solutions for effective, Important Role of CEO in Strategic Management, Committee | Meaning & Definition | Features, Under what circumstances Delegation of Authority is, Accountlearning | Contents for Management Studies |. One of the advantages of the line organization structure is simplicity. They may move higher in the hierarchy by correctly implementing their skills in the processes. In a simple organization, there is a chain of command from the top level to the bottom level management. Simplicity: It is very simple to establish and operate. The line officers and staff officers perform their specific functions to contribute to the overall operation. And others may be good at execution but not so when it comes to planning. The subordinates do not convey their reactions or the reactions of workers to the superiors. An executive cannot shift his decision-making to others, nor can the blame be shifted. The staff personnel does not supervise the line officers. (ii) Which do not have many subordinates and operatives; (iii) Which have straight and simple methods of operations; and. Terms of Service 7. In line organisation final decision-making is done by the top management. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 2. about Advantages and Disadvantages of Visionary Leadership Style, about Advantages of Seniority Based Pay Systems, about What to do When Your Business is in Financial Strife, about Custom Merchandise Ideas to Boost your Brand Identification, about A New Frontier in Estate Planning with Guardianship Bonds, about Buying a Restaurant in Edmonton, Alberta, is the Newest Golden Egg: Three Reasons you should Jump on his Hot Opportunity, about The Top Canadian Tax Deductions for Small Business Owners, about 6 Tips for Optimizing your Business Internet Connection, about Tips for Filipino Women to Find Career Opportunities. Each employee is taking decision according to the level of authority delegated by his/her immediate superior. (iii) Each subordinate receives orders only from one superior and is answerable to him only. Line authority means giving the person a particular amount of control for specific tasks. In the line organization, managers have to perform a wide range of functions. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. ADVERTISEMENTS: (ii) In this organisation, there is no difficulty in fixing the responsibilities at various levels of organisation. In the line organization, there is one head for decision making and the rest are the followers of that decision. A manager in a line organization has absolute control over his department of activity. Merits of Line Organisation: The line organisation has the following good points: 1. : 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. (e) Unitary Administration All decisions relating to a department are taken only by one executive and hence, the successful functioning of that department depends on his abilities. Line organization structure chart tends to simplify and clarify responsibility, authority, and accountability relationships. The links in the chain of command should not be skipped. Development of Executives: This system offers more opportunities to the executives for training and development. (v) It facilitates prompt decision-making because there is definite authority at every level. 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. 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. about What Fabric Choices Work Best for Printed Dresses? This type is also known as scalar organisation. 2. Hence, discipline can be maintained there. Conforms to the scalar principle of organization. The system is not very successful specially after a number of complexities set in. 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. Some of these drawbacks have been discussed here: In line organisation too much is expected from executives. Line managers can work more efficiently with staff managers handling specialized functions. Simplicity. The production manager, for example, will not interfere in the decision-making by sales manager, or finance manager, and vice-versa. Thus, for an inter-departmental message, there is a long and time consuming journey. A line organization is easy to establish. Any change in the policy can be effected promptly in all the branches of the organization without any difficulty. 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. 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 . For this purpose, a department head is appointed for each department. Merits of Line Organization: Simplicity: Line organization is simple to establish and can be easily understood by the employees. In this way, responsibility is easily fixed. By this method, specialisation is attained. Line should value the special skills of staff and similarly the staff should try to appreciate the difficulties in implementing new ideas. Conditions for Success of Line Organisation 3. Account Disable 12. Branches. Under it, the persons having the greater decision-making authority are placed at the top, and those having the least decision-making authority at the bottom. 5. Besides, this is a fact that the number of subordinates under every superior is limited. The reactions of subordinates also reach top management in a short span of time. In a simple organizational structure, various departments are autonomous, and there is little communication with each other. Thus it relates to Jack of All Traders But Master of None. Choosing the right one is crucial for achieving the companys goals. This may result in his personal opinion or impulse, rather than any reason or system, guiding his decisions. Each department is under the control of a departmental manager who is responsible to the superior over him. Further, it promotes the unity of command. The line organization structure is very simple to understand and simple to operate. It is suitable for concerns. In recent times, however, the military organisations have undergone changes similar to those occurring in the industrial and other organisations. 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. Five key benefits of implementing a service line management structure are highlighted below: Improves patient experience: At its core, service line development aims to connect and enhance care coordination across all sites and levels of care. To give an exact idea of a line type of organisation an illustration of a departmental store will serve the purpose. Thus, the managements dependency increases on staff for information. Direct supervision and control also helps in maintaining strong discipline among the workers. The subordinates have no doubt regarding the person from whom they receive instructions. Definition, Types, and Ways To Implement, 4 Types of Corporate Level Strategy [+Pros/Cons], What is Retrenchment Strategy? Unified Control- Since the orders are given by one superior, there is no confusion among the subordinates. Your email address will not be published. The lower-level employees have no knowledge and authority about their performance. Surajs workplace follows a hierarchy. All organizations follow specific organizational structures to run the company smoothly. Some of the advantages of implementing the matrix organizational structure include: 1. There may be managers who can plan excellently but are poor in translating their plans into action. It also allows quick decisions and efficient coordination. Each foreman is supposed to take his orders from the production manager and is accountable to him for planning and execution of the work assigned to him. The workers placed under a foreman get all their orders from their own foreman and they have no direct access to the factory superintendent. Your email address will not be published. The term military organisation is, therefore, rather misleading. (v) Staff take credit if the programme (as per the advice of the staff) is successful and blame the line if it is not successful. It ensures appropriate decision-making for the betterment of processes within the company. 3. In case, the manager of one department wishes to issue guidance or directions to a subordinate in another department, he will go up the line and convey the message to the top manager who will then pass it down the line in the other department. Similarly, they can not devote time to supervise their subordinates. The concept of line organization holds that in any organization derived from a scalar process, there must be a single head who commands it. It may increase the employee turnover rate if the job roles are unclear. First, a few definitions so you understand what I'm talking about. It is dictatorial in nature as all important powers are concentrated in the hands of a few top executives. Where the labor and management problems are not difficult to solve. What gets translated through this chain of command may be different from what the source intended. iii. This is because of unified control. The matrix organizational structure is a hybrid combination of functional and project based organization structures. Effective Management 7. This is known by different names, i.e. And so it goes on. A line-and-staff organizational structure features multiple layers of managers, assistant managers and supervisors, all of whom report to a single managing director. Academic library - free online college e textbooks - info{at}ebrary.net - 2014 - 2023. Ideally, it distributes the power, supports knowledge sharing, and encourages employee accountability. 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. They are only required to do as told to them by respective managers. Understanding the difference in the role of staff and line functions makes the best use of the workforce within the organization. The improper distribution of authority and responsibility can create problems within the organization. So, learning more about different organizational structures, stakeholders and power structures will help you navigate your workplace. Line and staff organization is an expensive organizational structure. They are not provided with an opportunity to put forward their view point or problems or suggestions to persons at the top level. 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. You have to be mindful of the levels of management when you want to communicate or exchange ideas. If they are not able the enterprise will not be successful.

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