A command relationship exists between each superior and subordinate. Line authority is the heart of this relationship because it entitles a superior to direct the work of his subordinate.
Line
Authority – Features
Chain of command
A command relationship exists between each superior
and subordinate. Line authority is the heart of this relationship because it
entitles a superior to direct the work of his subordinate.
Chain
of communication
Line authority is the channel of communication between
members of the organization. Communication up and down in the organization
flows through the line relationship. In any organization line of communication
should be established. There should be a system where everyone reports and also
get reported. Such a line is maintained through line of command.
Maintains
Responsibility
The line relationship carries ultimate responsibility
for the work assigned. Though there is delegation of authority, every
individual holding position holds responsibility.
Staff
organization
This is advisory in nature. A staff man charged with
bringing about improvements in a specific area has two courses of action. He
may make a recommendation to a line manager who is directly or indirectly his
boss and then rely on the manager to issue the necessary orders to put the plan into effect or he may try to secure voluntary
acceptance of his ideas from other managers without the support of formal
orders through line chain. In the second course the staff man can use his
persuasive skill to accept.
Compulsory
Staff Consultation
Despite all the efforts made by staff man, there is
still a possibility that real action may be taken in the area concerning his
specialization without his participation. To overcome this, some organizations
prescribe the practice of compulsory staff consultation. Under this
arrangement, a staff man must be consulted before action is taken.
Concurring
Authority
Under certain circumstances, particularly when control
over some operations is very important, a staff man may be granted authority so
that no action can be taken until the concerned staff man agrees to it. For
example, quality control inspector must pass on raw materials or semi finished
products before they move to the next stage of production. So also agreement
with employees over the matter of wages should be entered only after the
personnel manager has agreed for it. In India certain massive public sector
projects may be taken by the state or centre only after getting clearance from
planning commission.
Tags : Human Resources Management - Organization of HRM
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