Authority in Management | Types of Authority in Management

Authority in Management

Knowing the meaning of authority is better to understand before the types of authority in management. Authority is defined as the right to give orders, supervise the work of others and make certain decisions. Therefore, it is linked with the managerial position to give orders and expect to follow the orders. Hence in the olden days, it was the basic elements that made the organizations smoothly working.

The authority was delegated from top to bottom of the organizational hierarchy. In fact every manager possessed some types of authority in management according to his designated position. Moreover, it is related to a specific position a person holds and his personal characteristics are ignored against his authority. Even if a position becomes vacant in the organization, however, it remains attached to that position. Following are the types of authority in management: 

Types of Authority In Management 

• Line Authority
• Staff Authority
• Functional Authority

Line Authority

The work of an employee is directed with the help of line authority. It takes the form of an employer-employee relationship that moves from top to bottom. So certain decisions are made by the line manager without consulting any other person. In some cases, line managers are differentiated from the staff managers by using the word “line”. Hence the manager whose functions are linked directly with the achievement of organizational objectives is called line manager.

Staff Authority

Staff authority is possessed by the staff managers. The objectives of the organization determine the line and staff nature of the functions of any manager. When the size of the organization becomes larger and larger. Then the line managers feel that they cannot complete their jobs by the existing skills. Along with experience and knowledge which are not updated accordingly. Therefore staff authority is generated for the staff whose main purpose is to assist. As well as support, advise and decrease the work burden of the line managers.

Functional Authority

The functional authority that is also known as functional control. Moreover, included in the area of the line and staff aspects of HRM. As it is the special authority that is exercised by the personnel manager in coordinating the personnel activities. Therefore the HR manager here performs his functions as the right arm of the supreme executive.

Line Vs Staff Authority

Authority is linked with ordering someone, and making certain decisions to direct the work of others. The subordinate work is directed by the line manager. On the other hand, staff managers assist line managers in achieving their basic objectives. So, HR managers fall into the category of staff managers.

Mostly line managers have a responsibility to perform line functions, some staff functions and coordination functions. The line manager specifies the qualifications required from the upcoming employees for certain positions in the organization.

Then the HR manager is obliged to make arrangements for the sources of such required applicants. Although start the screening and interviewing process for final selection. The HR manager conducts certain tests of selection and finally recommends the best candidates. As before the line manager who then selects the final applicant from a group of best applicants.

Line Manager

The line manager is the boss of some subordinate employee and directs his work. Hence, the line manager is responsible for the accomplishment of the organizational objectives.

The line and staff aspects of HRM obliged the line manager to perform the following functions also.

1. Placement
2. Orientation
3. Training
4. Improving Job Performance
5. Gaining Creative Cooperation
6. Interpreting procedures and Policies
7. Controlling Costs of Labor
8. Developing employee abilities
9. Creation and maintenance of Departmental Morale
10. The health and physical condition of employees is protected.

Staffing Manager

Staff manager has given the authority to support and assist the line managers in accomplishing the basic objectives. HR managers are normally categorized as a staff manager.

Responsibilities of Staffing Manager

The main responsibility of the staff manager is to assist the line manager in achieving the basic goals. Staff managers work as a partner with the line manager to perform the overall functions effectively. So following are the responsibilities of the HR manager as a staff manager.

1. Assistance in hiring
2. Training
3. Evaluation
4. Reward Provision
5. Counseling
6. Promotion and Firing of Employees
7. Administration of certain Benefit Programs

Human Resource Manager

The human resource manager is the person who works as an assistant and supporter. Along with the other managers in matters related to human resources of the organization. Normally HR managers serve a high portion of employees. The main function of the HR manager is that it helps the other managers. Specifically to deal with the human resource effectively so that the organizational objectives should be accomplished.

Line managers and HR managers have shared responsibility for effectively handling the matters of human resources in the organization. As HR is recognized as a legitimate business unit, since this makes the nature of HR as strategic. Although, has a direct responsibility in the accomplishment of organizational goals.

So the HR managers should clarify the work structure of the organization and be capable to identify the abilities. Nor skills of the workforce currently as well as in the future. The involvement of human resource management at the strategic level of the organization is essential. Since it can ensure that the human capital of the organization can be worked in accordance with the mission of the organization.

The HR manager is closer to the employees of the organizations. Therefore he can effectively direct and motivate the potentials of the employees. Specifically towards the right track of the achievement of the goals of the organization. In the near future, human resource management becomes more strategic than it is today.