Line & Staff Functions (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Business): Revision Note

Line and staff functions

• A line function is a department or role that is directly involved in achieving the core objectives of the business — typically related to production, sales, or operations

  • These roles have direct responsibility for performance and decision-making in the core areas of producing goods or delivering services

    • E.g. In a car manufacturing company, the production manager who oversees vehicle assembly is in a line function because they are directly involved in making the product

• A staff function is a department or role that provides advice, support, or specialist services to the line departments — but is not directly involved in core operations

  • Staff functions usually include human resources, finance, IT and marketing

    • E.g. The HR manager who organises training and recruitment for the factory workers is in a staff function because they don’t make cars but help those who do

Examples of line and staff functions

Conflicts between line and staff functions

• Both line and staff functions are essential

  • Line functions drive the business, and staff functions enable it to run smoothly

• However, conflicts sometimes arise between them

  • This conflict can arise due to differences in perspective, poor communication or unclear roles

  • Managing these conflicts well helps a business stay productive and efficient

Examples of conflicts between line and staff functions