Line and staff relations

Definition of Line and Staff Allen: Line functions are those which have direct responsibility for accomplishing the objectives of the enterprise and staff refers to those elements of the organisation that help the line to work most effectively in accomplishing the primary objectives of the enterprise.

Distinction between Line Authority and Staff Authority

Line Authority
Right to decide and to command Contributes directly to accomplishment of organisational objectives. Relatively unlimited and general Flows downward Possessed by generalists Creates superior-subordinate relations. Exercises control Makes operating decisions. Bears final responsibility for results. Doing function

Staff Authority
Right to provide advice, assistance and information. Assists line in the effective accomplishment of organisational objectives. Relatively restricted to a particular function. May flow in any direction depending upon the need of advice. Possessed by specialists Extension of line and supports line. Investigates and reports Provides ideas for decisions. Does not bear final responsibility Thinking function

Provides channel of communication.

No channel of communication is created.

Functional Authority Functional authority is the authority granted to a staff specialist to issue instructions to line executives directly in a specific and limited area of operations.
MD Secretary Production Manager

Plant engineer

Plant superintendent

Quality Control Officer

Supervisor

Line relationship
Staff relationship

Workmen

Functional relationship

Line Staff conflict

Complaints by Line managers: 1. Staff oversteps its authority 2. Staff does not give sound advice. 3. Staff steals credit. 4. Staff experts fail to see the whole picture objectively. 5. Staff has a complex Complaints by Staff personnel: 1. Line managers often resist new ideas 2. Line executives do not provide sufficient authority 3. Line managers do not make a proper use of the service of staff specialists.

Steps to improve line staff relationships Clarify relationships Educate line Compulsory staff advice Inform staff Sell advice Encourage line Overcome resistance Completed staff work Orientation Constitute committees Position rotation