Definition (1):
Line Authority refers to the authority exerted by an HR manager by directing the activities of the people in his or her own department and in service areas. It gives managers the right (or authority) to issue orders to other managers or employees. It creates a superior-subordinate relationship.
Definition (2):
Line Authority is the authority to direct the activities of the people in a manager’s own department.
Definition (3):
Line authority defines the relationship between superior and subordinate. It is direct supervisory authority from superior to subordinate. Managers who supervise operating employees or other managers have this authority. This authority flows downward in an organization directly from superior to subordinate.
Generally, it is the power granted to a person in a supervisory position to dictate actions by subordinates. An organization gives this authority so that it can achieve its specific goals and objectives. The engineering manager, controller, sales manager, and production manager are the examples of a business’s managers having this authority.
Use of the term in Sentence:
- Jim prefers the line authority in his role. He not only has authority over his team members but also has a voice in the business goals.