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1.2.3 Line and Staff Functions

This document discusses the concepts of line and staff functions in organizational structures. Line functions are directly involved in core operations and have authority over employees, such as production, sales, and operations departments. Staff functions provide specialized support to line functions through expertise in areas like HR, finance, legal, and IT without direct authority. Both functions are essential for organizational success, with line functions executing tasks to achieve objectives and staff functions enhancing effectiveness through support and advice.

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Prashant
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219 views

1.2.3 Line and Staff Functions

This document discusses the concepts of line and staff functions in organizational structures. Line functions are directly involved in core operations and have authority over employees, such as production, sales, and operations departments. Staff functions provide specialized support to line functions through expertise in areas like HR, finance, legal, and IT without direct authority. Both functions are essential for organizational success, with line functions executing tasks to achieve objectives and staff functions enhancing effectiveness through support and advice.

Uploaded by

Prashant
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INSTITUTE – University School of Business

DEPARTMENT – Management (M.B.A.)


Subject : Management Practices and Organizational Behavior
Subject Code : 22 BAT 603
Unit :1
Topic Name : 1.2.3 Line and staff functions
Faculty Name : Dr . Bhaskara Srinivas

DISCOVER . LEARN . EMPOWER

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Course Objective

COB No. Title

CO1 To give an exposure to students of the individual behavior in organizations.

To enable students to combine relevant information and appraise options for the
CO2 most optimal solution so that they will be able to envisage and control human
behaviour at work and improve organizational effectiveness.

2
Practices and
Organizational
Behavior
Course Outcome
CO Title Level
Number
CO1 To understand the concepts of individual and group Remember
behavior in an organizational set up.
 

CO2 To be able to apply leadership styles to lead diverse Understand


teams in a volatile business environment settings.
 

CO3 To analyze different alternatives while taking strategic Understand


decisions for organizational growth Will be covered in
this lecture
CO4 To evaluate how organizational change and culture Understand
contribute in sustainability of an organization
CO5 To develop conflict resolution and motivational strategies Understand
to retain high performing people in the organization.
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Learning Objectives
• Understand the concept of line and staff
functions in organizational structures.
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of line
and staff personnel.
• Analyze the advantages and challenges
associated with line and staff functions.
• Apply knowledge of line and staff functions
to improve organizational efficiency and
effectiveness.
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Content

• Line and staff functions

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 Line Functions: Line functions are directly involved in achieving the primary
objectives of an organization. They are responsible for the core operations and
activities that contribute to the production of goods or services. Line functions typically
involve decision making, execution, and direct authority over employees.
Example:
1.In a manufacturing company, the production department is a line function. The
production manager oversees the production process, coordinates with workers,
ensures smooth operations, and makes decisions regarding production schedules,
quality control, and resource allocation.
2.Sales Department: The sales department in a retail organization is a line function.
Sales representatives directly interact with customers, handle sales transactions, and
meet sales targets.
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3 Operations Department: In a logistics company, the operations department is a
line function responsible for managing the transportation, storage, and distribution of
goods. They oversee the day-to-day operations of delivery and ensure timely and
efficient delivery of products.

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Staff Functions: Staff functions provide support, advice, and specialized expertise
to the line functions. They assist in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the
organization by offering specialized knowledge and services. Staff functions do not
have direct authority over other employees but act as advisors or support staff.
Example:
1.In the same manufacturing company, the human resources (HR) department is a
staff function. The HR team provides support to the line managers by handling
recruitment, training and development, performance management, and employee
relations. They advise line managers on HR policies and practices but do not have
direct authority over production operations.
2.Accounting Department: The accounting department in an organization is a staff
function. Accountants provide financial expertise, maintain financial records,
prepare financial statements, and assist in budgeting and financial planning.
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3 Legal Department: The legal department in a company is a staff function that
provides legal advice and support to the organization. They handle contracts,
compliance matters, intellectual property issues, and represent the company in
legal proceedings.
4 IT Department: The IT department is a staff function that provides technical
support, manages the organization's computer systems and networks, develops
software solutions, and ensures data security.

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Line Organization Staff Organization

Follows a hierarchical structure with a clear


chain of command Supports and assists line organization

Authority and responsibility flow directly


from top management to lower levels Provides specialized support functions

Decision-making authority is concentrated at Offers expertise, advice, and assistance to line


the top levels of management managers

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Line managers have direct control over Staff functions do not have direct authority
execution and decision-making over line employees

Involved in core activities of the organization Supportive functions such as HR, finance,
(production, sales, etc.) marketing, etc.

Executes tasks and is responsible for achieving Supports and enables the overall functioning of
organizational objectives the organization

Line managers have direct control over Staff functions do not have direct authority over
execution and decision-making line employees
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In summary

• In summary, line functions are directly involved in core


operations and have direct authority over employees,
while staff functions provide support and specialized
expertise to enhance the effectiveness of line functions.
Both line and staff functions are essential for the smooth
functioning and success of an organization.

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References
Books • Durai, P. (2015). Principles of Management, Text and Cases. New
Delhi: Pearson Education.
• Koontz, H. (2010). Essentials of Management. New Delhi: Tata
McGraw-Hill Education.
• Stoner, Freeman & Gilbert Jr. (2009). Management. New Delhi:
Prentice Hall.
• Weihrich, H. & Koontz, H. (2010). Management- A Global
Perspective: New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Education.
Websites • https://www.preservearticles.com/
• https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzpF4cOYiiM
Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XZ1poxYt84&t=15s 13
Assessment Pattern
Components HT-1 HT-2 Assignment Surprise Test Business Quiz GD Forum Attendance Scaled
Marks

Max. Marks 10 10 6 4 4 4 2 40

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THANK YOU

For queries you can reach me on Email:


bhaskara.e11372cumail.in

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