In the organization process, authority is delegated to the individuals to perform the activities.
Line
Authority
In the organization process,
authority is delegated to the individuals to perform the activities. These
individuals, in turn, assign some of the activities to persons working below
them in the hierarchy and delegate them authority. This process goes on,
creating superior – subordinate relationships in the organization. The direct
relationship between a superior and his subordinate is created through the
enforcement of line relationship. Such a relationship works as follows:
As a Chain of Command
A command relationship exists
between each superior and subordinate. Line authority is the heart of this
relationship because it empowers a superior to direct the work of his
subordinate.
As a Channel of Communication
Line authority can be treated as
a channel of communication between the members of the organization.
Communication up and down in the organization flows through the line
relationship. Barnard has emphasized the role of line relationship as a channel
of communication by suggesting that every member of the organization should be
tied into the system of communication by having someone to report to and others
to report him. Such a line can be maintained easily through the channel of
command.
As a Carrier of Responsibility
The line relationship carries
ultimate responsibility for the work assigned. Though the process of assigning
activities goes on till the level where actual task is performed by operatives,
each individual in the line is accountable for the proper performance of the
activities assigned to him.
Tags : Management Concepts & Organisational Behaviour - Line And Staff Relationships
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