Which relationship is characterized by an advisory role with no authority over departments?

A staff relationship is characterized by an advisory role with no authority over departments. In this type of relationship, staff members provide guidance, expertise, and support to line departments but do not have the power to make decisions or enforce actions within those departments. This relationship is crucial in organizations where specialized knowledge is required, such as human resources, legal advice, or IT support. Staff professionals help shape policies and procedures but ultimately rely on departmental managers to implement them.

In contrast, lateral relationships typically involve peers collaborating across the same level within the organization, often sharing authority and contributing equally to decision-making. Functional relationships can include scenarios where authority is more clearly defined, with functional managers having control over their teams. Informal relationships occur in less structured settings, often based on personal connections rather than established authority or roles.