August 12, 2017

Difference Between Line Organization And Line And Staff Organization

Line organization is totally centralized and power centered organizational structure. In the other hand, line and staff organization is also centralized but power and authority is shared among the experts and the specialists.

Following are the main differences between line organization structure and line and staff organization structure:

1. Authority

Line Organization: Totally centralized authority
Line And Staff Organization: centralized authority with the involvement of specialists for guidance.

2. Unity Of Command

Line Organization: There is unity of command because subordinates have superiors to command.
Line And Staff Organization: There is also unity of command but line authorities are not forced to implement the experts in opinions and advice.

3. Nature

Line Organization: Simple form of organization with clear division of authority and responsibility.
Line And Staff Organization: Complex form of organization creating confusion about authority and responsibility.

4. Discipline

Line Organization: Discipline is maintained strictly in this type of organization structure.
Line And Staff Organization: Liberalness in discipline.

5. Provision Of Expert

Line Organization: No provision of experts.
Line And Staff Organization: Yes, there is a provision of experts and functional specialists in this structure of organization.
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6. Suitability

Line Organization: Suitable and effective for small and middle sized organization.
Line And Staff Organization: Suitable and effective for big firms.

7. Cost/Economy

Line Organization: It is economical in nature.
Line And Staff Organization: It is costly than line organization structure.

8. Possibility Of Conflict

Line Organization: No chance of conflict
Line And Staff Organization: High chance of conflict among line and staff authority.

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9. Decision Making

Line Organization: Decisions are taken by top management in this organizational structure.
Line And Staff Organization: Decisions are made by experts and specialists.

10. Types Of Personnel

Line Organization: One type of personnel for line authority.
Line And Staff Organization: Two types of personnel(line and staff authority).