In a line-function organization

In a linear-functional organization, (b).

A. Functional staff can give orders to subordinates

B. Line staff can give orders to subordinates

C. Line staff can't give orders to subordinates

D. Both line and functional staff can give orders to subordinates

I. Linear-functional organizational structure

Linear functional organizational structure based on a straight line, at all levels of the executive set up under the corresponding functional departments (such as planning, sales, supply, finance, etc.) to engage in professional management, as the level of the executive's staff, the implementation of the director of the unified command and the function of the department of the staff - a combination of guidance.

Under the straight-line functional structure, the lower-level organizations are subject to both the management of the higher-level departments and the operational guidance and supervision of the functional management departments at the same level. Executive leaders at all levels are accountable at each level and are highly centralized. As a result, it is a system in which departments are divided according to business management functions and in which the top operator directly commands each functional department.

The linear-functional organizational structure is known as the "U-type organization" or "simple structure" or "single-function structure". Unitary Structure" (U-form Organization, Unitary Structure). This type of organizational structure is very effective in relation to companies with a single product, high sales volume and little information for decision making.

In the early 20th century (and before), economic growth was primarily characterized by the division of labor, which inspired the creation of functional structures . It was in this way that U.S. Steel became the first billion-dollar corporation in 1901.

Standard Oil was also a pioneer in the adoption of the linear-functional structure. This organizational structure was also used in the automobile industry during the Ford era, and it allowed Ford to develop assembly line operations that allowed the automobile industry to scale and drive economic success .