In a typical business organization, there are usually two types of managers.
In short, line managers are on the front lines, ensuring the smooth operation of the business. Staff managers are behind the scenes, providing guidance and expertise to keep the organization running smoothly. Both are essential for any successful organization.
Line managers
A line manager is a person who is located directly above an employee on the next hierarchical level in the organizational structure. He is responsible for daily management of his subordinates.
Line managers have direct authority over other people whom they supervise, making decisions and allocating resources within the hierarchy of an organization. For example, Sales Manager has a formal line of authority over Sales Representatives of the different products that the firm sells.
Additionally, each and every line manager is responsible for achieving specific business objectives.
Here are more features of line managers:
- Directly responsible for the production of goods or services. They oversee the work of non-managerial employees and are accountable for their team’s performance.
- Focus on operational tasks and problem-solving. They handle day-to-day issues, delegate tasks, and ensure their team meets deadlines and goals.
- Typically have a strong understanding of the specific work their team does. They may have come up through the ranks themselves and have hands-on experience.
- Develop and manage individual employee performance. They provide feedback, conduct performance reviews, and help employees grow in their roles.
- Examples: supervisor, production manager, team leader, shift leader
Staff managers
A staff manager is a person who is a specialist in his field. He is responsible for providing information, advice, assistance and support to a senior line manager.
Staff managers – who perform a role as experts due to their professional status and experience – are well-paid and in great demand by a wide range of firms on the market. They might be economists, market research specialists, university professors, etc. who advise on carrying out certain products and processes in a business organization.
Staff managers do not have direct line of authority over other people nor make any decisions
Here are more features of staff managers:
- Provide support and guidance to line managers and other departments. They offer expertise in specific areas, such as human resources, finance, or marketing.
- Focus on strategic planning and long-term goals. They help line managers make informed decisions, develop policies, and implement initiatives.
- May not have direct reports or supervisory authority. They influence outcomes through collaboration and consultation.
- Specialize in a particular function or area of knowledge. They bring valuable expertise to the table and help line managers navigate complex issues.
- Examples: human resources manager, marketing director, training specialist, financial analyst
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between line managers and staff managers:
| FEATURE: | LINE MANAGER: | STAFF MANAGER: |
|---|---|---|
| Main responsibility: | Produce goods or services. | Support line managers and other departments. |
| Focus: | Operational tasks, problem-solving. | Strategic planning, long-term goals. |
| Team: | Non-managerial employees. | Line managers, other departments. |
| Expertise: | Specific work of their team. | Particular function or area of knowledge. |
| Authority: | Supervisory. | Collaborative. |
| Examples: | Supervisor, production manager. | Human Resources (HR) manager, marketing director. |
I hope this helps you to distinguish between line managers and staff managers.
