PRINCIPLES OF

MANAGEMENT

LINE AND STAFF AUTHORITY

LINE /STAFF AUTHORITY
Authority: The right in the position and hence the
right in the person occupying the position to
exercise discretion in making decisions affecting
others and the performance of individuals and
others.
Power: The ability of individuals or groups to
induce or influence the beliefs or actions of other
individuals or groups.
- The presidential Authority.
- The PM’s Authority.
- The power of a leader (ex. Mr. Vajpayee, Mrs.
Sonia Gandhi)
 LINE /STAFF AUTHORITY
Bases of Power:
Legitimate power: Arising from position
and derived from the cultural system of
rights and duties / obligations.
Position accepted as legitimate by the
public.
Royal positions – kings
Ministerial positions……..
Railways TTEs
Traffic Police,…..
 LINE /STAFF AUTHORITY
Bases of Power:
Referent Power – Is that influence which
persons exercise to influence others
owing to one’s / their commanding
respect among the public.
Ex: Sports persons, Cine stars
Reward Power: Power in granting
rewards.
Ex: CEOs, Professors, …
Coercive Power: Power to punish.
Ex: Police authorities, Intelligence,…..
 LINE /STAFF AUTHORITY
General Perception:
Line functions: Those having direct
impact on the accomplishment of the
organizational objectives.
Ex: Production, Sales, (Finance)
Staff functions: Those helping the line
persons work more effectively in
accomplishing the objectives.
Ex: Purchase, Design, R&D, HR,
Maintenance, Service, QC,..……
 LINE /STAFF AUTHORITY
Line Authority gives a superior a direct line of
authority over his subordinate. I.e., a superior
exercises direct supervision on his subordinate
– an authority relationship.
Exists as a series of uninterrupted steps.
Nature of staff relationship: Advisory.
To investigate, research, help and advice the
line managers in accomplishing organizational
objectives.
Governor’s relationship with Ministry.
LINE /STAFF AUTHORITY
SCALAR PRINCIPLE:

Speaks of authority , responsibility,

reporting, decision making and
communication.

“ Clearer the line of authority (from the

ultimate management to every subordinate
position) clearer will be the responsibility
for decision making and more effective will
be organization communication.”
 LINE /STAFF AUTHORITY
FUNCTIONAL AUTHORITY:
The right which has been delegated to an
individual or a group to control specified
processes, practices, policies, procedures,
or other matters related to activities
undertaken by persons in other
departments.
Ex. Company controller prescribing the
system of accounting system for the
entire co.
QC specialist establishing QC practices for
the entire corporate group of cos.