Line authority is a hierarchical form of authority where managers directly oversee and make decisions for employees in the chain of command from top to bottom positions. A line manager has complete control over directing employee work and decisions. In contrast, staff authority provides advisory and support roles to line functions by assisting and recommending, but are not part of the direct chain of command. Staff managers offer knowledge and expertise to other departments, such as a marketing executive assisting production with forecasts and demand generation.

1. Line and staff authority
Authority
• Authority is the right to make decisions, to
direct the work of others, and to give orders
and expect the orders to be obeyed.
• The authority are of two types
– Line authority
– Staff authority

2. Line authority
• It is a hierarchical form of authority
• Manager to direct the work of an employee
• It is the employer-employee authority
relationship that extends from top to bottom.
• line manager directs the work of employees
and makes certain decisions without consulting
anyone.
• It is small level enterprise
• Top management has complete control
• An example of a line manager is a marketing executive

3. • Line authority work as
– Chain of command (higher position to lower
position)
– Channel of communication (someone to report
and others to report him)
– Carrier of responsibility (who is accountable for
what and for the performance of the activity)

4. Staff authority
• Has right to direct or command subordinates who
work under them but with respect, play a advisory
role in recommending and assisting.
• Primary is company vision and secondary is support
and indirect contribution to line function.
• Marketing executive can support in market
forecasting and generating product and service
demand to production department.
• Staff managers provide support, advice, and
knowledge to other individuals in the chain of
command.
• Although staff managers are not part of the chain of
command

5. • Staff authority is of following forms
– Advisory staff authority
– Compulsory staff consultation
– Concurring authority (raw material check by QC
Dept)