What is the fundamental difference between line and functional authority?
A. Functional authority can be delegated, line authority can't be.
B. Line authority is associated with the individual, functional authority is associated with the position.
C. Line authority can be delegated, functional authority can't be.
D. Line authority rests on special skills, functional authority depends on acceptance.
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The correct answer is B. Line authority is associated with the individual, while functional authority is associated with the position.
To understand the difference between line and functional authority, we first need to understand what these terms mean.
Line authority refers to the authority that a manager has over their subordinates in their own department or area of responsibility. In other words, it represents the direct line of command from the top management to the lower levels of the organization. Managers with line authority have the power to make decisions, give orders, and take action within their assigned area of responsibility.
On the other hand, functional authority refers to the authority that is delegated to individuals or departments based on their expertise or specialized knowledge. It is not associated with a particular position or role, but rather with individuals or departments who possess the necessary knowledge or skills to provide guidance, support, or advice in specific areas.
Now, let's analyze the options:
A. Functional authority can be delegated, line authority can't be: This option is incorrect, as both line and functional authority can be delegated. Delegation is a common practice in organizations where authority is transferred to subordinates or other individuals to help share workload and improve effectiveness.
B. Line authority is associated with the individual, functional authority is associated with the position: This is the correct answer. Line authority is personal and associated with the individual who holds the managerial position, while functional authority is position-based and associated with the department or expertise.
C. Line authority can be delegated, functional authority can't be: This option is incorrect because both line and functional authority can be delegated. Delegation is a way to distribute authority among managers, supervisors, or specialists within an organization.
D. Line authority rests on special skills, functional authority depends on acceptance: This option is incorrect. Line authority does not necessarily rely on special skills, but rather represents the hierarchical relationship between managers and their subordinates. Functional authority, as mentioned earlier, is based on specialized knowledge or expertise.
In conclusion, the fundamental difference between line and functional authority is that line authority is associated with the individual, while functional authority is associated with the position.