In the single-line system, the arrangement of the line is passed on directly to the points below. There is clear authority and a clear reporting channel. Several employees are subordinate to one supervisor and each employee has only one supervisor.
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Definition / explanation
The one-line system is a form of organization whose basis is the principle of the unity of order placement. The supervisor forwards his order directly to a subordinate employee. Meanwhile, each employee has only one manager.
In the one-line system, the communication channels run vertically and there is a clear direction of the authority to issue instructions and the reporting channel. This ensures a tight structure of responsibility and the right to issue orders.
In practice, this organizational structure is used for ...
- start-up, small and medium-sized companies
- Companies that value clear command structures and discipline
- bureaucratic organizations such as public administration
Advantages of the single-line system
- Possibility of a simple and clear structuring
- Communication, service and information channels are clear
- an overlapping of competencies is avoided
- Arrangements are clear and so is the distribution of competencies
Disadvantages of the single-line system
- Long official channels mean a loss of time
- Intermediate instances are unnecessarily burdened
- Superiors are overwhelmed by the communication and control tasks
- cooperation between employees is made more difficult
- few specializations possible