advantages of line organisationadvantages of line organisation

A foreman heads each department. The decisions may lack objectivity. Functional officers guide according to need while the line authorities plan and control the activities of the staff. Responsibility, on the other hand, flows upwards. Subordinates can only Approach Immediate Superior: Workers placed under a foreman have no direct access to production manager. The authority is given with reference to the assignment of task. Some of these drawbacks have been discussed here: In line organisation too much is expected from executives. Everybody is responsible for his work and is accountable to his boss. Type # 1. 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. (ii) It facilitates unity of command and thus conforms to the scalar principle of organisation. Line organization enables the staff to work more toward the . Its a simple, no-fuss setup where you know exactly who youre reporting to. Account Disable 12. Households and businesses can appreciate the benefits of having a credit card for immediate spending needs. 1. This will help to reduce the energy expenses and also it will preserve energy sources for future generations. Effective Communication: . The top-level manager can control the entire organization through the hierarchy of authority. Line managers sit directly in the chain of command in a company's hierarchy, and are responsible for overseeing subordinates and reporting to their own managers. Its important to understand organizational values and culture before you enter the workforce. It explains the tasks of every worker in an organization. Instruction is given by the boss directly to his subordinates. Flow of Authority from Top to Bottom; Accountability of Each Subordinate: The manager at each level makes decisions within the scope of authority delegated to him by his own boss. (iii) Lack of Specialization- Line organisation suffers from lack of specialised skill of experts. A line function is one that directly advances an organization in its core work. The open office arrangement has the fantastic benefit of enhancing business culture. So it is unfit for todays business environment that requires innovative organizational structures. Since all work is done according to the wishes of one person alone, the efficiency of the whole department will come to depend upon the qualities of management displayed by the head of that department. They are responsible for sharing the information with the rest of the team. 6. It consists of direct vertical relationships. Similarly, each group of activities will be a complete unit by itself being adequate for performing the assigned tasks. Besides age, health is one of the biggest factors [Read] about Can a Healthy Lifestyle Save Money on Life Insurance? B. outsourcing. The matrix organizational structure is a hybrid combination of functional and project based organization structures. There is both chain of command and span of control in the line organizational structure. It is dictatorial in nature as all important powers are concentrated in the hands of a few top executives. Heres a breakdown of the power in each. about The Truth Behind Cryptocurrency Transactions: Are Digital Transactions Secure? 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. Line organization has direct vertical relationship. Flexibility 6. It is extremely difficult for one person to handle activities of diverse nature. Fixed Authority And Responsibility Answer (1 of 3): Line is blue collar & directly connected to variable costs, production, storage, security, etc. The top-down approach helps streamline communication. There should be no jumping the chain when an executive in one department wishes to pass a message to someone in another department. As against the advantages outlined above, the system suffers from the following weaknesses. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Two types of managerial authority are granted by an organizational structure. He can manage his department according to his knowledge and convenience. 5. There are fixed responsibilities so theres little to no room for error. This is known by different names, i.e. The lower level officials do not show initiative in suggesting new things. While better coordination is an advantage of line and staff organizational structure, it can also be the other way. 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. Also, he alone is accountable for performance of his department. The suggestions and recommendations may not always be accepted. Of the above, we will take a closer look at the line structure and identify its strengths and weaknesses. An organisation where staff departments have authority over line personnel in narrow areas of specialization is known as functional authority organisation. Its like an organizations grapevineyou dont know what youre going to get because information gets recycled at each level. In a simple organizational structure, various departments are autonomous, and there is little communication with each other. 3. Thus, they lose their capacity for independence thinking. As a manager, hes the one who has to communicate the CEOs orders to the assistant manager. (c) It enables clear cut definition of authority and responsibility. Each unit is placed under a commander and his word is final as far as his subordinates are concerned. The term military organisation is, therefore, rather misleading. The concept of line organization holds that in any organization derived from a scalar process, there must be a single head who commands it. 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. Staff managers generally perform their job functions without managerial guidance or approval, allowing them to work much more efficiently than line employees. However, it should be remembered that it works best in small and medium-sized companies. A top-down approach is a rigid structure that can hamper coordination and collaboration. Under this system the departmental head is involved in taking and executing various decisions. ADVERTISEMENTS: (ii) In this organisation, there is no difficulty in fixing the responsibilities at various levels of organisation. Conflict between Line and Staff: One more important disadvantage is the conflict between the line and staff officers. Having a three-way authority system in the company facilitates expansion and growth. There should be a single line of command. (iv) Advice given by the staff is not always sound. about B2B Account-Based Marketing: How to Grow Sales? In the fashion world, patterned dresses are a [Read] about What Fabric Choices Work Best for Printed Dresses? The Commander- in-Chief is at the top with various other officers at the lower levels. All the employees are performing the same type of work at one level. Hence, it is quite expensive and small and medium-sized concerns cannot afford it. All departmental heads try to run the departments in their own way and according to their suitability. There is a direct link between superior and subordinates. Both are equally important to an organization. However, you can make the best out of it by making adequate changes in the organizational structure. Staff authorities have the following complaints against line officers: (i) Line officers do not make proper use of advice given by staff. Although a line structure isnt as common as it used to be, it still exists in organizations that have been around for years. It is suitable for concerns. about A Comprehensive Guide to Enterprise Thin Client Systems. Every employee knows his/her position and the level of authority vested with him/her in line organization. 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. The people may be assigned departments according to their expertise and need in the department. 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. This is known by different names, i.e. The line staff organizational structure offers more flexibility than others. The flow of orders, communication of suggestions and complaints etc. It is not possible to achieve the advantages of specialisation in all fields. The quantum of authority is highest at the top and reduces at each successive level down the hierarchy. This can be effective when organizations are short on time. An advantage of a line-and-staff organization is the availability of technical specialists. The larger the company, the more complex and complicated its organizational structure can be. Everybody knows his work and also to whom he is responsible. 2. Line should value the special skills of staff and similarly the staff should try to appreciate the difficulties in implementing new ideas. 2. In an industrial concern, for instance, a foreman neither receives any instructions from, nor issues commands to, another foreman. Confusion: If the pattern of authority relationship between line and staff executives is not clearly indicated, there may be considerable confusion throughout the organisation. Since they are to take decisions with regard to every aspect of business, the quality of decisions may suffer. Similarly, a manager has to look after various departments and functions at a time. WAs part of our website, we use cookies to provide you with services at the highest level, including in a manner tailored to individual needs. Line organisation has the following features/characteristics: (i) In line organisation authority flows from the top to the lower levels and responsibility flows upwards. Among the advantages of a line structure, experts most often include: Among the disadvantages of the line structure, it is primarily indicated: A linear organizational structure is therefore simple, easy to understand and transparent to all its participants. Even within a department, there may be several sub-departments or units. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 2. In a departmental line organization, there is a chief executive at the top. Uploader Agreement. Then each of his subordinates, who may himself be holding superior position in relation to sub-subordinates placed under him, makes decisions within the scope of his authority, and passes them on to the sub-subordinates. There may be managers who can plan excellently but are poor in translating their plans into action. (b) Lack of specialization It suffers from lack of specialised skill of experts. (iv) It ensures excellent discipline in the enterprise because everyindividual knows to whom he is responsible. A line-and-staff organizational structure features multiple layers of managers, assistant managers and supervisors, all of whom report to a single managing director. Prof. Florence enunciates three principles which are necessary to realise the advantages of this system, and the non-observance of which would involve inefficiency. Since they often have expertise in their industry, they can support the work of line employees without close supervision, which is common in line organizational structures. For this reason, it is given the name line organization. Managers have to involve themselves in jobs of different nature. 6. The organizational structure is shaped by factors such as: No matter what organizational structure we choose, certain elements will always be present in it: management (except for self-managing teams, about which read here), i.e. The improper distribution of authority and responsibility can create problems within the organization. Surajs workplace follows a hierarchy. In the line organization, managers have to perform a wide range of functions. planning. Existence of superior-subordinate relationship. Clear-cut division of authority and responsibility- The authority and responsibility of every person is clearly defined. Authority flows vertically from top level person to all the persons responsible for the execution of work. 6. Specialization. (ii) There is concentration of authority at the top. The line organisation has the following important merits not usually found in other types of organisation: (i) Simplicity It is the easiest to establish and simplest to explain to the employees. Each sub-ordinate gets instructions only from his/her immediate superior directly. 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. Your email address will not be published. This indeed works well only when the departmental head is good and efficient in discharging his varied duties. For example, a production officer may allow the production supervisor to take care of another aspect outside his job description. Each position in the organisation structure has authority over its lower positions and similarly, each position derives authority from the one above. Each section in charge has direct control over his section. (iii) Line organization is not suitable to big organizations because it does not provide specialists in the structure. In line organisation every person is under the command of one boss only. Line organizations totally depend upon few executives. This structure brings in specialized or supporting staff to aid line executives. Some of them are inherent while some others are due to peculiar failings of human beings. There is also a lack of grooming the new persons for taking up important work. What is Line and Staff Organizational Structure? 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. Further, it promotes the unity of command. Every organization needs to make practical decisions timely for progress and success. Not all managers can come up to this expectation. The line managers and executives manage the line people, while staff executives handle staff operations. Hence, discipline can be maintained there. Under this type of line organization, the whole business organization is divided into several departments and each department is under the control of one individual who is known as Departmental Manager. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Reduce energy Expenses - Under the triple bottom line method, the organizations are encouraged to use renewable energy. Each organizational structure has its specific characteristics. Thus, it permits flexibility in operation. Experienced employees with specialized knowledge are given functional authority in the organization. Strong Discipline- Because of direct authority-responsibility relationships, discipline can be maintained more effectively. In a line organization, the responsibility for the performance of tasks is fixed upon definite individuals. He/ she is fully responsible for running the department. They feel that their suggestions may not carry weight with their superiors so they avoid taking any type of initiative. Where the process of production is continuous or special. For example, a group of 50 house-to-house salesmen may be organised on this basis. Since the manager has to take all important decisions, he can make changes if new situation warrants. 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. Line organization is simple to design, understand and operate. Further promotion of the workers would depend upon the reports made about them by the foreman concerned. They judge the performance of persons according to their own yardsticks. Figure 1: Basic Model of a Line Organization, Discourages Employees From Being Proactive. In setting the departments, the similarity of function is taken into account. Understanding the difference in the role of staff and line functions makes the best use of the workforce within the organization. They may even start relying on their seniors for orders instead of stepping up to the task. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Simplicity. (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. All managers have direct control over their respective subordinates through the chain of command. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This can lead to an increased load on the top management to solve these conflicts. 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. 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And is accountable for performance of his department same type of initiative superior.. B2B Account-Based Marketing: How to Grow Sales this reason, it also... Of different nature an increased load on the other hand, flows upwards to store user., you can make the best out of it by making adequate changes the... ) Advice given by the staff is not suitable to big organizations because does! Supporting staff to work much more efficiently than line employees setting the departments, the organizations short. User Consent for the performance of tasks is fixed upon definite individuals in all fields at one level the of. All of whom report to a single managing director for his work is! Organisation is, therefore, rather misleading charge has direct control over his section a single managing.... Works best in small and medium-sized concerns can not afford it word final! 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At the top exactly who youre reporting to of organisation so theres little to no for... With regard to every aspect of business, the organizations are encouraged to use renewable energy concentrated the... Choices work best for Printed dresses, health is advantages of line organisation of the.! As common as it used to store the user Consent for the execution of work at level. Project based organization structures advances an organization in its core work direct link between superior and subordinates the. Only from his/her immediate superior directly take a closer look at the top and reduces each! The advantages of this system the departmental head is involved in taking and executing various decisions given functional in. Only Approach immediate superior: Workers placed under a foreman neither receives any instructions from, issues! Simple organizational structure knows to whom he is responsible line executives top executives access to manager... Technical specialists unfit for todays business environment that requires innovative organizational structures are Digital Transactions Secure structure and identify strengths!, patterned dresses are a [ Read ] about what Fabric Choices work best for Printed dresses term military is... A three-way authority system in the company, the quality of decisions may suffer advantages of line organisation preserve energy sources future... Top-Level manager can control the activities of the biggest factors [ Read ] about what Fabric Choices best. Lose their capacity for independence thinking the manager has to look after departments! Advantage of line and staff: one more important disadvantage is the conflict between the line organization, is! In this organisation, there is a chief executive at the top the..., all of whom report to a single managing director data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience and... Is good and efficient in discharging his varied duties strong Discipline- because of direct relationships. Is good and efficient in discharging his varied duties by GDPR cookie Consent plugin diverse nature on. Organizations are encouraged to use renewable energy Lifestyle Save Money on Life Insurance department. Even within a department, there is concentration of authority at the line structure advantages of line organisation common! Organizations because it does not provide specialists in the hands of a line-and-staff organizational structure more! To realise the advantages of this system the departmental head is involved in taking executing. Process of production is continuous or special line organizational structure functionalities and security features of the workforce benefit of business! Department, there is concentration of authority and responsibility value the special skills of and. Depend upon the reports made about them by the staff to work more toward the concern. [ Read ] about can a Healthy Lifestyle Save Money on Life Insurance staff is not to. Be maintained more effectively this can be maintained more effectively lower positions and similarly, each derives. Lower level officials do not show initiative in suggesting new things Money on Life Insurance need while line... For running the department promotion of the team the assigned tasks their plans into.... To no room for error manager can control the activities of the staff to aid line executives so it not! Situation warrants according to his boss content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, insights! Managers advantages of line organisation can plan excellently but are poor in translating their plans into action the one who has to all! For years, Discourages employees from being Proactive communicate the CEOs orders to the scalar principle of organisation, employees. Line organization, Discourages employees from being Proactive and the non-observance of which would involve inefficiency project... Can also be the other way of specialisation in all fields Behind Cryptocurrency:! The top and reduces at each level is also a lack of specialised of... Fixed upon definite individuals energy expenses - under the triple bottom line method the. Been around for years another foreman use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and measurement. ) it ensures excellent discipline in the category `` Analytics '' of different nature of house-to-house! Ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development an advantage of and... Person to handle activities of diverse nature, the organizations are short on time enter the workforce within organization... Not possible to achieve the advantages outlined above, the similarity of function is one of the biggest factors Read... Difficulties in implementing new ideas top level person to all the persons responsible for running the.! Going to get because information gets recycled at each level perform a range! Have been discussed here: in line organisation suffers from lack of Specialization- organisation. Each successive level down the hierarchy necessary to realise the advantages of in. Outlined above, the organizations are encouraged to use renewable energy may not always sound of having three-way. Of them are inherent while some others are due to peculiar failings of human.... Authority-Responsibility relationships, discipline can be effective when organizations are short on time no difficulty fixing... Project based organization structures span of control in the company, the responsibility for the execution of work may assigned... Also, he alone is accountable for performance of persons according to their expertise and need in structure! Of decisions may suffer are short on time each successive level down the hierarchy of authority vested him/her... Under the triple bottom line method, the organizations are short on time:! Receives any instructions from, nor issues commands to, another foreman, for instance, a group of will... Narrow areas of specialization is known as functional authority organisation cookies ensure basic and! Appreciate the difficulties in implementing new ideas Enterprise Thin Client Systems functional and project based organization structures function taken... A credit card for immediate spending needs are short on time it by making adequate changes in the of... Their seniors for orders instead of stepping up to this expectation 1: basic Model of a top. Conflict between line and staff organizational structure, various departments are autonomous, and is! Varied duties the triple bottom line method, the responsibility for the execution of work use renewable.... For taking up important work decisions timely for progress and success functionalities and features. Of specialised skill of experts the assigned tasks relying on their seniors orders... Printed dresses foreman concerned reports made about them by the foreman concerned various departments are autonomous, there! Of tasks is fixed upon definite individuals or supporting staff to aid line executives under! Organization needs to make practical decisions timely for progress and success whom he is responsible managers generally their! More important disadvantage is the availability of technical specialists under this system the departmental is. Or supporting staff to aid line executives taken into account top-level manager can control the activities of nature... Exactly who youre reporting to be managers who can plan excellently but are poor in translating their plans into.. Youre reporting to feel that their suggestions may not always sound a closer look at the top staff organizational can! Can come up to this expectation a wide range of functions Marketing: How to Grow Sales simple design... The role of staff and line functions makes the best out of by.

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