Authority relationship is the cohesive force which integrates
different parts of the organization. A manager needs authority to manage
his own department as well as to interact with other departments in the
organization.
Line authority emerges in superior – subordinate relationships
in which the superior is authorized to exercise control over his direct
subordinates in a chain of hierarchy. Staff authority involves giving
advice to line managers to carry on the operation. While line authority
flows downward, staff authority may flow in any direction.
Line authority becomes apparent from the scalar principle. In this
the relationship is exercised by direct supervision over a subordinate.
The nature of staff relationships is advisory.
