Question

In line-and-staff structures, staff managers provide advice and support to ____ departments on specialized matters such as finance, engineering, Human Resources, and the law

A.Line
B.Administrative
C.Production
D.Marketing

Answer 1

In line-and-staff structures, staff managers provide advice and support to line departments on specialized areas like finance and human resources. Staff managers have an advisory role while line departments are directly responsible for the organization's goals. Collaboration between line and staff managers is crucial for organizational success.

Step-by-step explanation:

In line-and-staff structures, staff managers provide advice and support to line departments on specialized matters such as finance, engineering, Human Resources, and the law. Line departments, also known as line functions, are those that have direct responsibility for achieving the organization's goals, and include departments like production and marketing. Staff managers, on the other hand, offer support, expertise, and assistance to line departments and have an advisory or supportive role rather than a direct role in organizational operations.

These staff managers may be part of various administrative positions within a company and could specialize in fields such as human resources (personnel, training), finance (accountant, auditor), marketing and sales, healthcare (nurse, pharmacist, therapist), or even legal advice. They play key roles in shaping and guiding the strategy and operations through their specialized insights.

It is essential for line managers to collaborate with staff managers to ensure the organization's success. This collaboration is becoming more common in modern organizations that favor flat organizational structures, which encourage teamwork and direct feedback between various levels of the hierarchy, including between entry-level employees and directors.

Answer 2

Staff managers in line-and-staff structures provide advice and support to line departments on specialized matters such as finance, engineering, human resources, and the law. The answer to the student’s question is 'A. Line'. Staff roles are crucial for offering expert guidance and analysis, aiding in decision-making and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In line-and-staff structures, staff managers typically provide advice and support services to line departments on specialized matters such as finance, engineering, human resources, and the law. The correct option to fill the blank in the given question would be 'A. Line'. These staff managers are experts in their respective areas and serve as resources for the line managers who are responsible for making key decisions and overseeing the primary operations of the business. Staff roles include functions such as human resources management, marketing, legal advisory, and finance operations. They assist the organization by providing guidance, performing analyses, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

The shift toward teamwork and flat organizational structures does not eliminate the need for specialized knowledge, but instead, it encourages collaboration between line and staff roles. This evolution reflects a trend of seeking input from various levels within an organization, including from those who may not have traditional management roles. However, staff functions remain vital as they support and enhance the effectiveness of line departments in achieving the overall goals of the organization.