Which term describes a manager who is authorized to direct the work of subordinates and is responsible for accomplishing the organization's tasks?

Which term describes a manager who is authorized to direct the work of subordinates and is responsible for accomplishing the organization's tasks?

• A. Authority
• B. Line Authority
• C. Staff Authority
• D. Line Manager

Answer: (C)

In organizations, authority comes in two main forms: line and staff. Line authority gives a manager the direct power to command subordinates, make work decisions, and be accountable for achieving the unit’s goals. The person who holds this authority is a line manager, and their role is to plan, direct, and control the work that directly produces the organization’s outputs. Staff authority, on the other hand, is advisory. Staff specialists provide expertise and recommendations to line managers but don’t have the right to direct the day-to-day tasks of line employees. So, for a manager who is authorized to direct subordinates and is responsible for accomplishing the organization’s tasks, the relevant concept is line authority (and the manager is a line manager).

In organizations, authority comes in two main forms: line and staff. Line authority gives a manager the direct power to command subordinates, make work decisions, and be accountable for achieving the unit’s goals. The person who holds this authority is a line manager, and their role is to plan, direct, and control the work that directly produces the organization’s outputs.

Staff authority, on the other hand, is advisory. Staff specialists provide expertise and recommendations to line managers but don’t have the right to direct the day-to-day tasks of line employees.

So, for a manager who is authorized to direct subordinates and is responsible for accomplishing the organization’s tasks, the relevant concept is line authority (and the manager is a line manager).