Jennifer Lee works in the public relations department of a large pharmaceutical company. Her job is to write speeches for the company's top managers,to issue press and video releases,to host plant tours,and to be involved in community affairs. Which of the following does Lee have?
A)line authority
B)mechanistic authority
C)empowerment obligations
D)staff authority

Question

Jennifer Lee works in the public relations department of a large pharmaceutical company. Her job is to write speeches for the company's top managers,to issue press and video releases,to host plant tours,and to be involved in community affairs. Which of the following does Lee have?
A)line authority  
B)mechanistic authority  
C)empowerment obligations  
D)staff authority

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jennifer Lee's job involves providing support, advice or assistance to line managers in the company (the top managers she writes speeches for). This is an example of staff authority, where staff members work in a supporting role to help line managers carry out their responsibilities more effectively. Lee does not have line authority (the power to make decisions and enforce them) or mechanistic authority (a rigid, task-oriented form of authority), nor does her job involve empowerment obligations (granting more autonomy and decision-making power to employees).

Jennifer Lee Works in the Public Relations Department of a Large