What term describes an organizational hierarchy with many layers and narrow spans of control?

• A. Tall organizational structure
• B. Flat organizational structure
• C. Centralized networks
• D. Communication channels

Answer: (C)

The depth of an organization’s hierarchy and how many subordinates each manager oversees define its structure. A tall organizational structure has many layers of management and a narrow span of control, meaning each manager supervises only a small number of employees. This creates several levels from top to bottom. In contrast, a flat structure has fewer levels and a wider span of control, so a manager oversees more people. Centralized networks describe where decision-making power sits, not how many layers exist, and communication channels describe how information moves, not the reporting structure. Therefore, the description fits a tall organizational structure.