Introduction
Line organization is totally centralized and power centered organizational structure. On the other hand, line and staff organization is also centralized but power and authority is shared among the experts and the specialists. There are some differences between these two types of structures which we are going to discuss in this post.
Key Differences Between Line Organization And Line And Staff Organization
Following are the main differences between line organization structure and line and staff organization structure:
Following are the main differences between line organization structure and line and staff organization structure:
1. Meaning
Line Organization: It is simple and traditional type of organizational structure in which authority flows downward (from top to bottom) and responsibility flows from bottom to top (upward)
Line And Staff Organization: It can be considered as the improved version of line organizational structure in which experts and specialists are included to help line managers.
2. Authority
Line Organization: Totally centralized authority
Line And Staff Organization: centralized authority with the involvement of specialists for guidance.
3. 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.
Line Organization: Simple form of organization with clear division of authority and responsibility.
4. 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.
5. Discipline
Line Organization: Discipline is maintained strictly in this type of organization structure.
Line Organization: No provision of experts.
Line Organization: Suitable and effective for small and middle sized organization.
Line Organization: It is economical in nature.
Line Organization: No chance of conflict
Line Organization: Decisions are taken by top management in this organizational structure.
Line Organization: One type of personnel for line authority.
5. Discipline
Line Organization: Discipline is maintained strictly in this type of organization structure.
Line And Staff Organization: Liberalness in discipline.
6. 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.
7. Suitability
Line Organization: Suitable and effective for small and middle sized organization.
Line And Staff Organization: Suitable and effective for big firms.
8. Cost/Economy
Line Organization: It is economical in nature.
Line And Staff Organization: It is costly than line organization structure.
9. Possibility Of Conflict
Line Organization: No chance of conflict
Line And Staff Organization: High chance of conflict among line and staff authority.
Also Read
10. 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.
11. Types Of Personnel
Line Organization: One type of personnel for line authority.
Line And Staff Organization: Two types of personnel(line and staff authority).
Line Vs Line And Staff Organization (Comparison Table)
|
Basis |
Line Organization |
Line And Staff Organization |
|
Structure |
Simple |
Complex |
|
Specialization |
No |
Yes |
|
Cost Required |
Low |
High |
|
Decision Making |
Fast |
Slow |
|
Suitable For |
Small firms |
Big business firms |
|
Provision Of Expert |
No |
Yes |
|
Authority |
Clear |
Limited |
