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The line functions are those which are direct responsibility for achieving the organizational goals. Production and Sales (and sometimes finance) are classified as line functions. Line positions are engaged with line personnel and line managers. Line personnel carry out the primary activities of a firm and are considered significant to the basic functioning of the organization. Line managers make the majority of the decisions and direct line staff work to achieve company goals. An example of a line manager is a finance executive.
The staff functions are those who provide service & help and advice the line to work most effectively in accomplishing the objectives of the enterprise. Staff positions serve the business by indirectly supporting line functions. Staff positions include staff personnel and staff managers. Staff personnel contribute technical competencies to support line personnel and aid top management in various business activities. Staff managers provide support, advice, and knowledge to other individuals in the chain of command.
Even though staff managers are not part of the chain of command related to direct production of products or services, they do have authority over personnel. An example of a staff manager is a legal adviser. He or she does not actively engage in profit-making activities, but does provide legal support to those who do. Therefore, staff positions, whether personnel or managers, engage in activities that are supportive to line personnel.
