Business – 7.1 Organisational structure – Line and staff | e-Consult
7.1 Organisational structure – Line and staff (1 questions)
Answer:
Source of Conflict: Divergent Objectives
Line managers focus on short‑term performance and output, while staff specialists prioritize compliance, long‑term planning, or cost control. This can lead to friction when staff recommendations are seen as obstacles to achieving immediate targets.
Management method: Establish joint performance targets that align line and staff goals, ensuring both parties share responsibility for outcomes.
Source of Conflict: Authority Overlap
Staff functions may be perceived to encroach on the decision‑making domain of line managers, especially when staff have the power to approve budgets or set policies that affect line operations.
Management method: Clearly delineate authority in an organisational charter or RACI matrix, specifying who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed for each key activity.