Final answer:
The statement is true; a line function directly contributes to the main activities of a department, while a staff function provides specialized support without being directly involved in the production or delivery of services.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true. A line function is directly involved in the core activity of a business such as manufacturing a product or delivering a service. This function advances the accomplishment of the work of the department by being integral to its primary operation.
In contrast, a staff function provides specialized expertise and assists the managerial and operative functions of an organization. Examples include human resources and accounting, which support the primary activities but do not directly engage in them.
As an example, consider the clear division of labor in bureaucratic systems like the Department of State. Each level within this department focuses on specialized tasks to support the organization’s broader objectives. Such a structure ensures that specialized knowledge is applied in areas where it is most effective.
However, as in the case of the restaurant example, where a hostess is tasked with seating customers and not delivering food, there may be circumstances where rethinking the division of labor for efficiency might benefit the organization, especially in contexts of pressing needs or crises.