Limitations
- 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.
- 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.
Read more about this topic: Staff Function
Famous quotes containing the word limitations:
“The only rules comedy can tolerate are those of taste, and the only limitations those of libel.”
—James Thurber (1894–1961)
“To note an artist’s limitations is but to define his talent. A reporter can write equally well about everything that is presented to his view, but a creative writer can do his best only with what lies within the range and character of his deepest sympathies.”
—Willa Cather (1876–1947)
“Much of what contrives to create critical moments in parenting stems from a fundamental misunderstanding as to what the child is capable of at any given age. If a parent misjudges a child’s limitations as well as his own abilities, the potential exists for unreasonable expectations, frustration, disappointment and an unrealistic belief that what the child really needs is to be punished.”
—Lawrence Balter (20th century)