What is a key weakness of a traditional line organization?

• A. Insufficient authority to senior managers
• B. Too many activities concentrated in too few managers
• C. Limited effectiveness in large organizations
• D. Difficulty in communication flow

Answer: (B)

A key weakness of a traditional line organization is the concentration of too many activities in too few managers. In this structure, decision-making is generally centralized, which means that a small number of managers are responsible for overseeing a wide range of functions and activities. This can lead to several challenges, such as overwhelming workloads for those managers, a lack of specialized focus, and the potential for bottlenecks in decision-making processes.

When too many responsibilities fall on a limited number of managers, it can hinder efficiency and responsiveness within the organization. These managers may struggle to effectively manage their diverse responsibilities, impacting the organization's ability to adapt to changes or address specific needs promptly. Furthermore, this concentration can stifle innovation and lower morale among employees, who may feel underappreciated or unsupported due to the limited managerial bandwidth.

In contrast, the other options highlight different structural issues but are not inherently weaknesses unique to traditional line organizations in the same way. For example, while communication flow can be a challenge, it is not distinctive to line organizations and may vary based on how an organization enacts its policies and practices. Similarly, insufficient authority to senior managers concerns empowerment rather than a structural flaw, and limited effectiveness in large organizations is a broader observation rather than a specific issue arising from