Management

Line Management and Organizational Structure



Line Management and Organizational Structure

Introduction

In the discussion, the focus is entirely on the functions of a line management in an organization and the features and structures of that organization. In doing so, various elements of front line management, such as; the role of the line managers, the importance of their role in delivering HRM, leading the subordinates, and the limitations to the role of a front line manager is discussed. Managing the organization in relation to the external and internal environment and building managing teams is also discussed. In an attempt to define the features and structures of the organization, the paper focuses on the importance of unity and chain of command, span of control, various organizational structures, centralization and decentralization and organizational culture, for that matter.

Discussion

Task 1: the role and contribution of line management to an organization

Introduction to the role of line managers

Line managers are an integral part of an organization. They are directly involved in the two way communication that takes place in the organization, between the managers and the employees. They are in a position to better understand the issues involved in day to day business activities, and employee related tasks.

Line managers are managers who receive reports directly from the important employees and teams that they lead. These managers have a responsibility to the higher level of the management for those teams and employees. Front line managers are a very specific term and generally refer to the line managers who fall in the lower stage of the entire management hierarchy. At that stage, they are reported by those employees who have no managerial position. Front line managers are mostly promoted from within the organization and don't have any education regarding the management. The tasks and responsibilities carried out by the front line managers include; daily management of the people, management of the operational costs, organization of the allotment of work, checking quality and dealing directly with the clients or the customers. Line managers are also involved in carrying out various activities that fall under the category of the Human Resource, such as; guidance and coaching, appraisals and dealing with disciplinary concerns. In some cases, the front line managers carry out selection and recruitment tasks in conjunction with the Human Resource.

Line Managers and HRM implementation

It is largely assumed by many researchers that the strategies pertaining to the HRM of any business organization has a strong correspondence with the implementation of this strategy. HRM strategies are most often implemented without any clear direction, and in most cases are not at all implemented. This leads to significant variances among those strategies of the HR that are developed and the practical implementation of these strategies, (Nehles & Boon, 2006). A couple of important aspects that are very critical for human resource management to be successful are the success of the implementation of the HRM strategies and the presence of these practices, (Gratton & Truss, 2003).

Many have made attempts to prove a connection between ...