What is a major disadvantage of a large organization structuring itself purely on a line basis?

A major disadvantage of a large organization structuring itself purely on a line basis is that executives tend to get overloaded with details. In a line structure, authority and responsibility flow in a direct line from top to bottom. While this creates clear lines of authority and facilitates decision-making, it can also result in top management needing to handle numerous issues and operational details that ideally should be delegated.

This overload can hinder their ability to focus on strategic issues or long-term planning, as they are bogged down by day-to-day operational tasks. Consequently, this can lead to ineffective management, where important decisions are delayed or overlooked because executives are too preoccupied with managing routine activities. The top-level leaders may struggle to maintain an overview of the organization's broader strategic goals while managing the minutiae from various departments.