Relations of Line and Staff Functions
The functions of a department can be as a line or a staff.
The functions which have a direct responsibility of achieving the targets for
production or sales are line functions. The staff functions are those which do
not participate directly in the activity but aid line functions to achieve the
targets. Production Planning, Marketing, Purchasing, etc., are staff functions.
The distinction is more clear and precise at higher levels. The staff function
is advisory but owns the responsibility for the results and in accountable for
non-performance.
