Line Authority is defined as which statement?

• A. Allows supervisors to exercise direct control over subordinates; issue orders; authority flows in a direct line down to their subordinates; Command authority with the responsibility for coordinating the functions under it.
• B. Authority that is advisory only and not binding.
• C. Authority to appoint new managers.
• D. Authority to manage budgets across departments.

Answer: (A)

Line authority is about the direct power a supervisor has to command and coordinate the work of subordinates along the chain of command. It means issuing orders, directing tasks, and ensuring that those tasks are carried out in a coordinated way, with authority flowing downward to those who execute the work. This definition captures the core idea that a line manager has the right and responsibility to direct the subordinates who report to them and to coordinate their work to achieve objectives.

The other statements describe roles that aren’t about directing and coordinating subordinates in the line of command. One describes advisory or non-binding authority, which is not line authority. Another refers to appointing new managers, which is beyond the typical scope of line command. The last mentions managing budgets across departments, which relates to financial control rather than the direct command and coordination of subordinates.