Question

Discuss the disadvantages of line and staff organisation structure.

Answer 1

Line and staff organisation suffers from the following drawbacks:

1. Conflicts: Conflicts between staff specialists and line executives are common. There is a risk that personnel will overstep their authority and that the queue would disregard their recommendations. The enterprise's operational effectiveness is decreased by jealousies and conflict between employees. The orientations of queue and personnel differ greatly from one another. Staff men are typically more theoretical, whilst line managers are typically more practical.
2. Lack of coordination: A precise division of responsibilities between line and staff executives is extremely challenging in practice. Confusion and a lack of coordination arise from unclear authority. Harmony of effort and teamwork may suffer.
3. Ineffective staff: Because they are not held responsible for the outcomes, staff members might not do their jobs well. Because they lack the power to have their recommendations followed, staff members may be ineffectual. Line executives may harbour animosity towards employees and hold them accountable for their own inability to successfully execute recommendations.
4. Expensive: Because two distinct sets of employees are needed, the line and staff organisation is more costly than the line organisation.
5. Lack of creativity: Line managers could rely too heavily on employees for counsel and direction. This inhibits line executives' ability to think creatively, make sound decisions, and take initiative. When managers fail to execute suggestions, staff specialists may be held accountable.