Line organization is a type of STRUCTURE consisting of direct VERTICAL relationships connecting the positions at each level with those above and below. These line relationships are the channels through which authority flows form its source to point of action.

This structure forms a basic framework for the whole organization. The other types of structure are, in effect, modifications of it and must rely on it for authoritative action. It is usually DEPICTED on charts by solid lines connecting the positions.

Line relations or direct or executive relations are those existing between a senior and his subordinates at all levels of command. The senior’s instructions are to be complied with as authority is direct. When organization is small, the leaders can effectively direct and control-line structure is usually adopted. All major functions, therefore, must be performed or SUPERVISED by the owner.

As business grows, time must be allocated among many functions and those which the owner prefers are more efficiently performed. The others will sooner or later be given to specialists and their abilities can be included in the organization by applying concepts of (a) staff, or (b) functional structures.

Staff structure occurs in two forms, staff assistant and specialist. Staff assistants perform their work SUBJECT to the approval of their superior; they have no formal authority to command the actions of others and act in the name of their superior.

Line organization is a type of structure consisting of direct vertical relationships connecting the positions at each level with those above and below. These line relationships are the channels through which authority flows form its source to point of action.

This structure forms a basic framework for the whole organization. The other types of structure are, in effect, modifications of it and must rely on it for authoritative action. It is usually depicted on charts by solid lines connecting the positions.

Line relations or direct or executive relations are those existing between a senior and his subordinates at all levels of command. The senior’s instructions are to be complied with as authority is direct. When organization is small, the leaders can effectively direct and control-line structure is usually adopted. All major functions, therefore, must be performed or supervised by the owner.

As business grows, time must be allocated among many functions and those which the owner prefers are more efficiently performed. The others will sooner or later be given to specialists and their abilities can be included in the organization by applying concepts of (a) staff, or (b) functional structures.

Staff structure occurs in two forms, staff assistant and specialist. Staff assistants perform their work subject to the approval of their superior; they have no formal authority to command the actions of others and act in the name of their superior.