Theory Y can be used to solve the problems in line and staff relationships. Explain.
Paper-1: Administrative Behaviour, Organisations
This answer is based on the question shared yesterday.
The below points can be used as a reference while writing your answers. These have been noted from the discussion sessions by Pavan Sir.
Complaints of Staff against the Line
Staff believe that they have formulated the best policies. But they are a failure due to a lack of commitment.
Staff believe that the Line organisations are highly corrupt, nepotistic and prejudiced which leads to failure in the implementation of the policy.
Staff believe Line organisations headed by specialists cannot understand the policies from a macro-integrated perspective.
Staff believe that Line indulges in goal displacement. They give more importance to rules and regulations and thus the outcome deviates.
Complaints of Line against the Staff
Their promotion opportunities are extremely limited. Generalist Civil Servants generally head staff Orgs.
Policies are imposed on them without any consultation.
When policies are successful the credit goes to the Staff. When the policies fail, the Line is blamed.
The staff misuse their proximity with the political executive (ministers) to influence major policies and decisions.
Staff personnel lack ground-level experience, which is reflected in the policies being designed.
How Theory Y can be used to solve the problems in the relationship between the line and the staff?
Theory Y advocates Participative Management, Recognition, Integration, trust in abilities etc.
Staff must regularly consult and take inputs from Line while formulating policies.
MIS (Management Information System) can be used to ensure better communication.
As part of Theory Y, there can be Inter-departmental transfer between Staff and Line. This will enable people from both types of organisations to understand each other’s problems.
Leadership must exercise Transactional Influence so that Staff decentralises power to the Line.
There must be a sense of Integration between the line and the staff so that they can sacrifice their personal interest for the organisation.
Staff must recognise the services of the Line and give them opportunities for advancement.
What do you understand by Staff and Line?? Try to explain in simple words in the comments.
Line is directly concerned with accomplishment of primary goals of Organisation. They are central to any Organisation.
Ex: Headquarter
Staff simply help the line in accomplishing primary goals. They are concerned with advisory, research, planning etc...
Ex: Field level office