Linear executives are ... Linear and functional supervisors

Each organization has its own organizational structure, which is a framework within which questions are resolved about the distribution of tasks, the use of company resources and the coordination of the work of existing units.

Factors influencing the formation of the organizational structure

• The size of the organization. Large enterprises have a more complex subordination structure than small ones, in which one manager is sufficient to manage.
• Age of the organization. Every year the structure of the enterprise becomes more complicated.
• Strategy and objectives. The goals and tasks that are put before the head and subordinates have a significant impact.
• Staff. The organizational structure depends on the leadership qualities and activities of each employee.
• Direction of the company. An enterprise that provides one service (for example, a hairdresser) has only one manager to organize normal work, but for a large plant that produces several types of products, a more complex organizational structure is needed.
• Culture and environment. National culture and mentality.
• Management style. It happens authoritarian or democratic.

Brief description of organizational structures

• Linear - there is a direct impact of the leader on subordinates. It has all the functions to manage the activities of the firm. The head in the line structures independently answers all questions concerning the productive work of the links of the system.
• Functional - for it is characteristic subordination of functional managers to the linear, which is entrusted with the overall management of the organization. In addition, he is responsible for all decisions taken. There is a specialization of functional managers depending on the management functions that they perform.
• Linear-functional (linear-staff). This structure is characterized by the fact that the organization has linear and functional managers. The first work on the principle of one-man management. The second controls the work of departments. The main tasks are carried out by the managers of the linear functional units, who are subordinated to the chief line manager.
• Matrix - the project manager can manage the subordinates of any department. After the work on the project is completed, the performers return to their units.

Let's consider in detail who are the line managers, what are the functions and tasks assigned to them. Also we will discuss what are the advantages and disadvantages of the work of such an organizational structure.

Line managers: essence

Line managers are the heads of organizations or units that are engaged in the main activity of the enterprise. They are responsible for the implementation of the objectives that are facing the firm.

Line managers are the dominant entities of enterprises. The necessary information is provided to them by direct subordinates. Based on it, they make decisions and give appropriate orders.

In a linearly functional organizational structure, the line manager plays a slightly different role. His powers are limited to decision-making. That is, line managers are bosses who work on the principles of one-man management, but the heads of individual functions perform tasks. As a result, the quality of the decisions made is significantly improved, because the chief manager does not need to monitor the heads of departments.

Functions of the line manager

• Setting the main goals and objectives of the organization and monitoring their implementation.
• Creation of an efficient team: assess the productivity of staff, participate in the selection of new staff, conduct interviews, make decisions on dismissal, make a working schedule.
• Control discipline of employees.
• Provision of personnel development, organization of training, promotion and punishment.
• Motivation of employees, evaluation of the performance of each person.
• Formation and maintenance of corporate culture, conflict resolution.

The tasks of line managers

• Assist the firm in achieving its objectives.
• Search for an enterprise of qualified employees who are interested to work for the result.
• Effective use of knowledge and experience of employees.
• Improving the motivational system.
• Improvement of the system of staff training, timely upgrading of qualifications.
• Creating a favorable climate in the organization.
• Planning promotions and other rewards.
• Activation of creative activity of employees.
• Perfection of methods for evaluating the work of staff.
• Creating decent working conditions for employees.

Criteria for the effectiveness of the line manager

Not every boss can become a worthy leader. Effective work on the organization of the company is everyday work. Line managers are Persons with certain competences. Their effectiveness can be assessed using the following parameters:

• The result of the main activity of the organization.
• Presence of the authorities of the appropriate motivation. The head must regularly support and develop his desire to work further.
• Development of competence for work with personnel. The manager should strive to understand all the subtleties of managing the employees of his organization or the unit entrusted to him.
• Ability to form subordinates commitment to the overall main goal.

The main competencies of the head, ensuring the effective functioning of the organization

• Significant professional experience (skills and abilities in solving various professional tasks).
• Leadership (helps to form a worthy team and inspire her to achieve the goal).
• Effective communication and interaction with employees (can argue his point of view and correctly expresses his thoughts).
• Planning and coordination of work (planning is extremely important for achieving a good result).

Advantages specific to a linear organizational structure

• Unity of subordination (all employees are subordinated to one superior);
• Full responsibility of each employee in accordance with his workplace.
• Simplicity of the system, since all powers and responsibilities are clearly distributed.
• Decisions are taken promptly.
• Creation in the team of necessary discipline.

Disadvantages typical for a linear organizational structure

• A line manager can not be competent in all areas.
• The rigidity of the system and the difficulty in adapting it to changing conditions.
• It is focused on a small amount of information transmitted between hierarchy levels.
• The restriction in the initiative of employees of the lower levels.
• With the increase in the scale of production, difficulties arise with the division of labor.

So, line managers are the main link in the organization's linear structure, which is entrusted with the task of achieving the main goal of the organization and who are responsible for carrying out the tasks set. On the one hand, such a system essentially simplifies the management of the enterprise, on the other hand it hinders its development and does not allow it to quickly adapt to changing environmental conditions.