Which term describes an organizational structure with only a few layers and a wide span of control?

• A. Delayering
• B. Delegation
• C. Directors
• D. Flat organizational structure

Answer: (D)

This item tests understanding of how organizational structure is described when there are few levels and many subordinates reporting to each manager. A flat organizational structure describes a setup with only a few levels of management and a wide span of control, meaning each manager supervises a larger number of employees directly. This arrangement often speeds up decision-making and improves communication because information has fewer layers to pass through and there’s closer contact between staff and managers. It can also reduce costs by cutting middle-management roles. However, a wide span of control can place more burden on managers and blur lines of responsibility. Delayering refers to the process of removing levels to achieve a flatter structure, but the structure itself is best described as flat.