Which organizational structure is characterized by a relatively low degree of job specialization, loose departmentalization, few levels of management, wide spans of control, decentralized decision-making, and a short chain of command?

• A. Matrix Structure
• B. Mechanistic Organization
• C. Organic Organization
• D. Organization Chart

Answer: (C)

An organic organization is designed for flexibility and adaptability rather than rigid control. It features low formalization and job specialization, with employees able to take on a variety of tasks. Departments aren’t tightly separated, leading to loose departmentalization. There are few levels of management, creating a flatter structure, and managers have wide spans of control, overseeing many employees. Decision-making is decentralized, with authority pushed down to lower levels, and the chain of command is short to speed up informal, direct communication. Together, these traits support quick responses to changing conditions and collaboration across functions.

In contrast, a matrix structure tends to combine specialized functional and product-based units with dual reporting lines, a mechanistic organization emphasizes strict hierarchy and centralized decision-making with narrow spans of control and high formalization, and an organization chart is just a diagram of structure rather than a type of organization.