__________ is referred to as both a line as well as a staff activity i.e., an essential function of the manager as well as an advisory role played by the HR department
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Staffing
Option (1) Organising — Incorrect. Organising means grouping activities and setting up authority relationships. Every manager does it, but no specialist department advises him on it.
Option (2) Controlling — Incorrect. Controlling compares actual performance with the standards and corrects any deviation. It is not described as a staff activity.
Option (3) Directing — Incorrect. Directing means instructing, guiding, motivating and leading people. It is done by every manager himself.
Option (4) Staffing — Correct. Staffing is a line activity because every manager must find and keep the right people for the posts under him. It is also a staff activity because, in a large organisation, the Human Resource Department advises managers on hiring, training and pay.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Evolution of Human Resource Management … It is important to understand that staffing is both a function of management just like planning, organising, directing, and controlling as well as a distinct functional area of management just as marketing management and financial management. Staffing, is therefore, referred to as both a line as well as a staff activity i.e., an essential function of the manager as well as an advisory role played by the Human Resource Department.” |
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 13-05 S1 12-05 S1 | – | – | – | – |