9609 · 7.1.6
Line and staff flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9609 Line and staff (syllabus 7.1.6). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
Card
Line management?
Directly responsible for core operations achieving objectives.
Card
Staff management?
Advisory/support specialists — no direct operational command.
Card
Staff examples?
HR, health & safety, legal, IT, marketing research.
Card
Line–staff conflict cause?
Staff advise but line ignores; or staff seen as interference.
Card
Why staff needed?
Complex laws, technology, HRM require expertise (2.1).
Card
Matrix overlap?
Project teams blur line/staff — need clear terms of reference.
Card
Reduce conflict?
Involve line in hiring staff advisers; advisory not command role.
Card
Exam example?
HR (staff) vs factory manager (line) on redundancy procedure.
Card
Define a 'line role' in an organisational context.
A role with direct authority within the chain of command, responsible for achieving the primary objectives of the business (e.g., a Production Manager or Sales Director).
Card
Define a 'staff role' in an organisational context.
A role that provides specialist advice and support to line managers and departments. It holds advisory authority, not direct command authority (e.g., HR Manager, IT Director).
Card
What is the key difference between line authority and staff authority?
Line authority is the direct authority to command and give orders to subordinates. Staff authority is the authority to advise and recommend actions, based on specialist expertise, but not to give direct orders to line personnel.
Card
Identify a common cause of conflict between line and staff managers.
Line managers may feel that staff specialists offer impractical advice and undermine their authority. Staff specialists may become frustrated when their expert recommendations are ignored by line managers.
Card
Suggest one strategy to reduce line-staff conflict.
To clearly define the roles, authority, and responsibilities of each position in job descriptions and organisational charts, ensuring there is no ambiguity about who can command and who can advise.