What term describes the structure that determines the line of authority and the channels of communication?

• A. Span of control
• B. Organizational chart
• C. Chain of command
• D. Formalization

Answer: (C)

The chain of command defines who holds authority and who reports to whom, establishing the formal path for commands to flow downward and information to move upward. This structure clarifies accountability and ensures directions and feedback follow predictable channels. Span of control is about how many direct reports a manager has, which affects supervision workload but not the defined path of authority or the communication routes. An organizational chart visually shows the hierarchy, but the term itself describes the actual system of authority relationships and communication channels. Formalization deals with how rigidly rules and procedures shape behavior, not the specific lines of authority.