Which type of authority gives managers the right to advise other managers and employees?

The type of authority that allows managers to advise other managers and employees is staff authority. This authority does not involve making direct decisions for others but rather provides support, expertise, and guidance in specialized areas. Staff authority enhances the organization's effectiveness by offering expert advice and recommendations that assist line managers in making informed decisions.

Staff authority is typically held by individuals in specialized roles, such as human resources, legal, or finance departments, where their expertise becomes invaluable to other managers. This creates a collaborative environment where information and counsel flow between staff and line managers, enhancing overall organizational performance.

In contrast, line authority refers to the right to make decisions and command the immediate actions of subordinates in a direct line of command, while project authority is limited to specific assignments and does not extend to advising beyond the project scope. Direct authority generally implies straightforward commands within the context of established hierarchy without the advisory components that staff authority encompasses.