The correct answer is: C. staff specialists advise line managers to perform their duties.
A line and staff organization is a type of organizational structure in which there are two types of employees: line employees and staff employees. Line employees are responsible for the organization's primary goals and objectives, while staff employees provide support and assistance to line employees.
Staff specialists advise line managers on how to perform their duties. They do not have the authority to make decisions on behalf of line managers, but they can provide valuable input and expertise.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- A. lines of authority and instructions are vertical. This is true in all organizational structures, not just line and staff organizations.
- B. unity of command is maintained. This means that each employee has only one supervisor. This is also true in all organizational structures, not just line and staff organizations.
- C. staff specialists advise line managers to perform their duties. This is the defining characteristic of a line and staff organization.
- D. staff decides without consulting line authority. This is not true in a line and staff organization. Staff specialists can provide input and advice, but they cannot make decisions on behalf of line managers.
