Answer to Question #239613 in Management for donavern

Question

The authority delegated down the chain of command from the operations manager to the floor supervisor is known as ____________ authority. If, however, the operations manager were to give instructions to the human resource officer in the form of advice or recommendations, based on his or her specialist knowledge, this would be referred to as ______________ authority.

Answer 1

Authority delegated down the chain of command from the operations manager to the floor supervisor is known as LINE authority. If, however, the operations manager were to give instructions to the human resource officer in the form of advice or recommendations based on his or her specialist knowledge, this would be referred to as STAFF authority.

Line authority allows a manager to make decisions and order his employees without consulting others. The line managers have the power to order subordinates who are in their chain of command. Staff authority provides support to line authority through assisting, servicing, and advising. Staff authority allows for providing suggestions and advice but, it is not a must for them to be obeyed.