Lesson 1: Managerial Organization


Line and Staff Organization

A line-and-staff organization is very similar to a line organization.


Staff can be organized by a product line or a service or both. However, staff or expertise could be added that are not directly in a line of communication but are there to advise.

In the organizational chart below note that the Legal Department and the Human Resources Department are staff functions. They are there to support and make recommendations to the line managers but do not have authority over them.

Line and Staff Organization

  • Combination of line and functional organization that separates the primary function of the organization from planning and controlling
  • Departments responsible for the primary functions set up using a line organization; staff departments provide support
  • Good communication is crucial to avoid misunderstandings

Try This


Below are 11 boxes with the different positions for a hypothetical salon and spa company. Arrange the boxes into the dotted lines to complete a Line and Staff Organizational Chart for this company.

Think about the possible advantages and disadvantages of this type of structure and then click on the Advantages tab or the Disadvantages tab to see how you did.


  • Technical specialists are available to other employees.
  • Each employee reports to one supervisor.
  • Conflict between line and staff personnel is possible. Advice could be interpreted as an order.