What Is Line And Staff Organizational Structure ?
Line and staff structure uses two layers of authorities in the organization (line authority and staff authority). Staff authority is responsible for policy making and planning, and line managers are responsible for the execution of daily organizational activities. It includes the positive sides and eliminates the limitations of line structure and functional structure. Therefore, it is a modified version of line and functional organizational structure.
Merits Or Advantages Of Line And Staff Organization
The main advantages of line and staff organizational structure can be pointed out as follows:
1. Most Suitable Structure
line organization is very simple type of structure and it does not practice specialization in the workplace. On the other hand functional organization is more complicated because the relation between authorities is not properly defined. But line and staff organization accepts the positive sides and overcomes the drawbacks of line and functional structures. Therefore, it is the most suitable form of organizational structure.
2. Promotion Of Specialization
In line and staff organization, staff authority is concerned with planning function and line authority concentrates on the execution of tasks with the help of functional specialists. So, it promotes specialization which helps to increase efficiency and productivity.
3. Better Decision Making
Expert advice and suggestions are considered while taking decisions that helps the functional managers to make sound decision.
4. Reduced Workload
Because of dual authority and specialization, there will be a lesser burden to both line and staff officers. So, managers can perform their jobs more effectively.
5. More Flexible
Line and staff organization is flexible than line structure and functional structure. New departments or units can be created, subordinates can be hired and authority can be modified as per the requirement. Because of the flexibility, it facilitates growth and expansion opportunity.
6. Scope Of Advancement
Because of variety of jobs and regular conduction of training and development programs, it provides opportunity for advancement to the subordinates. It helps to increase their skills and specialty. It also increases employee motivation and job satisfaction.
7. Suitable For Big Organizations
Line and staff structure is suitable for big organizations and business firms which have more resources, employees and variety of operations.
Drawbacks Or Disadvantages Of Line And Staff Organization
The main disadvantages of line and staff organization can be pointed out as follows:
1. Expensive Structure
Line and staff organization requires more resources (infrastructure, finance and employees) that other forms of organizations. More remuneration should be paid to the specialists and experts. More training and development cost is required to improve the performance of staffs. So, it is expensive type of structure.
Also Read:
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Line Organization
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Functional Organization
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Committee Organization
2. Not Suitable For Small Organizations
Because of dual authority, requirement of more cost and complexity, it is not suitable for small and medium sized organizations having limited capital and resources.
3. Conflict Between The Authorities
Because of the improper division of roles and responsibility between line authority and staff authority, there may be a confusion and misunderstanding among the officers. Confusion and misunderstanding create conflict between two authorities. It may create burden for the top management to manage or settle this issue in the organization.
4. High Employee Turnover
Conflict between line and staff authority may discourage specialists , experts and subordinates working in the organization. So, if the top management fails to maintain better coordination and harmony in the workplace, employees may quit the job. Therefore, there is a chance of high employee turnover in line and staff organization than other types of structures.
5. Communication Problem
This type of design may create communication problem in the organization. Dual authority creates confusion to the subordinates and makes difficult for them to understand whose instructions to be followed and whom to report.
Pros:
- It brings specialization in the workplace
- It minimizes the work load of both authorities
- It is helpful in maintaining proper coordination
- It is more flexible than other types of structures
- It improves decision efficiency because of of experts advice and suggestions
- There is a scope for advancement
Cons:
- It requires more operational costs than other organizational structure
- Not suited for small firms having less resources and fewer activities
- There is a high possibility of conflict and misunderstanding
- It may increase the rate of staff turnover
