Which of the following is an advantage of decentralization in an organization's control activities?

• A. Reduced need for management training at lower levels
• B. Greater central control over all operations
• C. Faster decision-making at lower levels of management
• D. Increased uniformity in company-wide policies

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of decentralization: Decentralization refers to the delegation of decision-making authority to lower levels of management within an organization. It allows managers at various levels to make decisions without requiring approval from higher levels.
2. Analyze the advantages of decentralization: Decentralization can lead to faster decision-making at lower levels because managers closer to the operations have the authority to act quickly without waiting for instructions from the central authority.
3. Compare the options provided: Evaluate each option against the characteristics of decentralization. For example, reduced need for management training at lower levels is not an advantage of decentralization, as decentralization often requires well-trained managers at lower levels to make effective decisions.
4. Focus on the correct answer: Faster decision-making at lower levels of management aligns with the benefits of decentralization, as it empowers managers to respond promptly to operational needs and challenges.
5. Conclude the analysis: Decentralization enhances responsiveness and efficiency at lower levels of management, making it a valuable organizational strategy for improving decision-making speed and adaptability.