Line Authority

Authority-Definition
Herbert A. Simon: Authority may be defined as
the power to make decisions which guides the
actions of another.
It is a relationship between two individual one
superior ,another subordinate.
The superior frames and transmits decisions with
the expectation that these will be accepted by the
subordinate.
The subordinate executed such decisions and his
conduct is determined by them.

Line authority or Line

organization
Line authority exists between
superior and his subordinates.
Line authority is the direct authority
which superior exercises over a
number of sub ordinates to carry out
orders and instructions.
In organization process, authority is
delegated to the individuals to
perform the activities.

Contd
These individuals, in turn assign
some of the activities to persons
working below.
Then, they delegate authority in the
hierarchy and them. This process
goes on creating superior and
subordinate relationship. such a
superior subordinate relationships
known as line relationship.

Line Authority-Definition
Dalton E.Mc.Farland: Line authority is the
ultimate authority to command ,act decide
approve or not approve -directly or
indirectly all activities of the organization.
It is the authority to direct the work of
other and to require to confirm to
decisions,plans,policiues,systems,procedur
es and goals. Line authority is the heart of
the relationship between superiors and sub
ordinates.

Line authority works as

follows:
As a chain of command: In line authorities, officials
are in the chain of command from higher position to
lower position in the organization. There is a
command relationship exist between every superior
and subordinate.
As a channel of communication: Line authority can be
considered as a channel of communication between
superior and subordinate of the organization.
communication, up and down in the organization
,flows through the line relationship.
Every member of the organization has some one to
report to and other to report him.

Contd
As a carrier of Responsibility: The line
relationship carries ultimate
responsibility for the work assigned.
Each individual in the line is
accountable for the proper
performance of the activities
assigned to him. Each subordinate is
answerable to his superior.

Advantages
It is simple and easy to understand.
It is flexible ;Easy to expand and
cntract.
Delegation of authority is very clear.
Channel of communication is very
clear,no confusion at all.
It is strong in discipline as it times
responsibility on individual.

Limitations
It neglect specialists.
It overloads a few key executives.
It requires a high type of supervisory
personnel to meet the challenges imposed
in the absence of specialists as advisors.
It is limited to very small organization.
It encourages directional way of working
which may not develop own creative
thinking of workers.

Thank you