The Director of Human Resources has which type of authority?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about the type of authority held by the Director of Human Resources, and we are given four possible options to evaluate.
Option 1: Upward authority. This term is not a standard way to classify executive power in most organizational theories. Upward communication or influence might occur, but it does not define a formal authority type assigned to a director. Therefore this choice is unlikely to be correct.
Option 2: Lateral authority. Lateral authority refers to influence that occurs among peers at the same level in the organizational chart. While a HR director may interact with peers, lateral authority is not the primary designation for their formal power over staff or procedures, making this option an incomplete fit.
Option 3: Line authority. Line authority generally designates the direct chain of command with the power to issue orders and enforce compliance within a line of authority, typically from top management down to operating units. A HR director usually does not have line authority over all departments, since HR is a specialized staff function rather than a line function; line authority tends to apply to production or core operations rather than advisory roles. This makes this option a poor match for the director’s typical formal role.
Option 4: Staff authority. Staff authority is the typical classification for roles that advise, counsel, and support line units, without having direct command over the line workers. The Director of Human Resources commonly exercises staff authority, providing expert guidance, policy development, and recommendations to line managers, rather than issuing direct orders to all staff. This aligns with the standard understanding of HR as a staff function within many organizations.
In summary, the distinctions hinge on whether the role commands routine operating actions (line authority) or provides specialized support and guidance (staff authority). The HR director is best described as exercising staff authority because the role centers on expertise, policy advice, and service to the organization rather than direct control over every employee. This clarifies why the staff authority classification fits the description of the director’s formal power structure.

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The Director of Human Resources has which type of authority?

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