Organizational structure for large-scale automobile manufacturing Which organisational form is generally preferred for a large automobile manufacturing enterprise to combine clear authority with specialist support?

Introduction / Context:
Mass production industries such as automobiles require strong line authority for throughput and safety, but also depend on specialist knowledge in planning, quality, maintenance, and industrial engineering. The organisational design must balance both needs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• High-volume, standardized production with complex supply chains.
• Need for centralized control and specialist support functions.
• Multiple plants and departments requiring coordination.

Concept / Approach:
Line and staff organisation maintains a clear chain of command (line) while providing access to experts (staff) who advise and develop standards, processes, and systems. This structure scales well for automotive factories where production lines must run decisively while planning and technical staff enable continuous improvement.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the production context: high volume with technical complexity.Recognize the need for both authority and expertise.Select “line and staff organisation” as the best fit.

Verification / Alternative check:
Automotive OEMs commonly show production lines reporting to plant management (line) with strong engineering, quality, logistics, and HR staff groups.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(A) lacks specialist support; (B) functional alone can blur authority on the shop floor; (D) is an imprecise mix; (E) matrix suits projects, not repetitive line production.

Common Pitfalls:
Over-empowering staff roles to the point of decision paralysis; unclear delineation of advisory vs line authority.

Final Answer:
line and staff organisation