Which of the following is a difference between a line function and a staff function?
A) A line function does not contribute directly to creating a company's products, whereas a staff function contributes directly to creating a company's products.
B) A line function includes accounting, human resources, or legal services, whereas a staff function includes activities that take place within the manufacturing and marketing departments.
C) A line function can only be exercised by employees at the lower levels of the chain of command, whereas a staff function empowers employees on every level.
D) A line function contributes directly to selling a company's products, whereas a staff function does not contribute directly to selling a company's products but instead supports line activities.

Question

Which of the following is a difference between a line function and a staff function? 
A) ​A line function does not contribute directly to creating a company's products, whereas a staff function contributes directly to creating a company's products. 
B) ​A line function includes accounting, human resources, or legal services, whereas a staff function includes activities that take place within the manufacturing and marketing departments. 
C) ​A line function can only be exercised by employees at the lower levels of the chain of command, whereas a staff function empowers employees on every level. 
D) ​A line function contributes directly to selling a company's products, whereas a staff function does not contribute directly to selling a company's products but instead supports line activities.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A line function is directly involved in creating or selling a company's products, while a staff function supports and assists the line function. Therefore, option D correctly identifies the difference between them. Option A is incorrect because both line and staff functions contribute to creating a company's products, but in different ways. Option B is incorrect because accounting, human resources, or legal services are staff functions, not line functions. Option C is incorrect because both line and staff functions can be exercised by employees at different levels of the chain of command.

Which of the Following Is a Difference Between a Line