Line and staff relationship

Line and staff relationship are most two common terms used in business. Here the brief about them.

1. BY : Abhinav Harsh Paridhi Ravleen Yogesh Line and Staff Relationship

2. Keep your eyes and ears open, as my forte is questioning I will be asking a question in the end.

3. Introduction Line and Staff  are names given to different types of functions in organizations. A "line function" is one that directly advances an organization in its core work. This always production and sales, and sometimes also marketing. A "staff function" supports the organization with specialized advisory and support functions. For example, human resources, accounting, public relations and the legal department are generally considered to be staff functions.

4. Both terms originated in the Military

5. Origin and Definition A military-type organizational structure, commonly  employed in large,  centralized corporations. Line and  staff management has two separate hierarchies : (1) The L ine hierarchy in which the   departments are   revenue generators (manufacturing , selling), and their  managers are responsible for achieving the  organization's main   objectives by   executing the key  functions (such as  policy making,   target setting , decision making ). ( 2) The S taff hierarchy , in which the departments are revenue consumers, and their managers are responsible for activities that support  line functions  (such as accounting, maintenance, personnel management ) . While both hierarchies have their own chains of command, a line manager may have direct control over staff employees but a staff manager may have no such power over the line employees. In modern practice, however, the difference in the two hierarchies is not so clear-cut and jobs often have elements of the both types of functions.

6. Structure

7. Now comes the time for my Question

8. Why the distinction   Each has a different role and clarifying the same avoids functional dilemmas.  The relationship between the two is interesting. Generally the Line is considered as the action guys – the sleeves rolled-up types and Staff are viewed as the chair-bound support folk.

9. What Is Line Organisation Line structure consist of direct vertical relationship which connects the position and task of each level with those above and below it. It represent the structure in direct virtual relationship through which authority travels.

10. Advantages Clear cut relationship. Unity of command . Prompt decision making. Effective coordination. Fixed responsibility. Discipline.

11. Disadvantages Difficulty in staffing. Concentration of authority. Lack of specialization. Instability. Poor motivation. Ineffective communication.  Not useful for larger enterprises

12. What is Staff Organisation Person of the organization who provide advice and service to line. Provide expert advice on important matters. Enables line people to work more efficiently. Cannot directly issue orders to subordinates in line departments.

13. Advantages Specialization. Growth and Expansion. Lesser burden on line executives. Better decisions. Training of Line executives. Advancement of Research.

14. Disadvantages Different orientation. Conflict Between line and staff. Lack of responsibility. Lack of co-ordination. Excessive reliance on staff. Costly Structure.

15. WORK MANAGER ENGINEER SUPERINTENDENT ROUTE CLERK TIME AND COST CLERK WORKERS

16. Line And Staff Relations Basically, organizations are tightly knit together by the cord of authority relationships, whatever the way of structuring an organization. Such authority relationships act as a cohesive force and integrate the whole organization. The types and degree of authority vary with the decision-making levels. Different authority relationships basically revolve around line and staff relationships. “Line and staff relation refers to a pattern in which staff specialists advise line managers to perform their duties.”

17. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF LINE AND STAFF MANAGERS The line managers are responsible for: The formulation of objectives, plans and policies. Making decisions for the implementation of plans and policies and attainment of objectives. Providing supervision and leadership, achieving coordination and exercising control.

18. The Staff managers have the responsibility to Advice, help and guide the line managers in the performance of the above functions. Provide specified administrative services. Interpret objective plans and policies. Make the best tools available for the implementation of plans and policies. Help in the selection and training of employees. Measure organizational effectiveness.

19. LINE AND STAFF CONFLICT Line and staff relationship is based on the assumption that both support each other and work harmoniously to achieve organizational objectives. However, there are frequent instances of conflict between line and staff in the organization. This generates lots of friction and loss of time and consequently loss of organizational effectiveness. Therefore, there is a need for analyzing the sources of line and staff conflict and then to take actions to overcome the problem of conflict.   These relations are often characterized more by conflict than cooperation. Staff specialists complain that line managers are resistant to their ideas and the line managers complain that staff managers are sky-gazing specialists with no comprehension of practical situations.

20. ARGUMENTS OF LINE OFFICERS AGAINST STAFF OFFICERS Staff officers have only theoretical knowledge. Much of advice given is impractical because they are not responsible for the results. They take into account only the departments goal, not the organizations goal as a whole. Staff officers blame line officers when failures happen whereas are keen on getting credit for success.

21. ARGUMENTS OF STAFF OFFICERS AGAINST LINE OFFICERS L ine officers completely neglect the advice given by the officers. Line officers hesitate to accept new ideas. They simply reject the advice without considering its validity. Some line officers are not ready to ask for any advice from the staff officers.