Staff Function - Limitations

Limitations

  1. Blame game between line and staff: The staff only proposes a plan; the function to implement that plan is of the line. If a plan fails the staff blames the line, and the line blames the staff.
  2. Hostile environment can prevail: Some line managers don't like to get suggestions from staff members; sometimes, however, they are pressured into accepting staff plans. This creates friction between the two functions. Sometimes this pressure is due to the goodwill of staff as they hold expertise in their field, that lands line into dire straits (there are, of course, always).

A business can usually survive the failure of, or use substitutes for the staff function. Staff functions vary between businesses, but usually include activities like advertising, human resources, and plant maintenance.

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Famous quotes containing the word limitations:

    No man could bring himself to reveal his true character, and, above all, his true limitations as a citizen and a Christian, his true meannesses, his true imbecilities, to his friends, or even to his wife. Honest autobiography is therefore a contradiction in terms: the moment a man considers himself, even in petto, he tries to gild and fresco himself.
    —H.L. (Henry Lewis)

    The limitations of pleasure cannot be overcome by more pleasure.
    Mason Cooley (b. 1927)

    Growing up means letting go of the dearest megalomaniacal dreams of our childhood. Growing up means knowing they can’t be fulfilled. Growing up means gaining the wisdom and skills to get what we want within the limitations imposed by reality—a reality which consists of diminished powers, restricted freedoms and, with the people we love, imperfect connections.
    Judith Viorst (20th century)