Which organizational design describes a vertical chain of command with specialized functions and line management?

• A. Job enrichment
• B. Functional/structural model
• C. Inspiration
• D. Intrinsic rewards

Answer: (B)

A vertical chain of command with specialized functions and line management is best described by a functional/structural model. In this setup, work is grouped into departments by function—such as marketing, finance, operations—each led by a manager who has direct authority over that function and clear reporting lines up the hierarchy. This arrangement concentrates expertise, simplifies supervision, and makes accountability straightforward within each function, which is why it’s chosen for organizations that value specialized knowledge and clear oversight. It can, however, slow cross-functional coordination and create silos.

The other options don’t describe how the organization is designed: job enrichment is about expanding the responsibilities of individual roles to boost motivation, not reorganizing structure; inspiration relates to leadership or culture rather than how work is arranged; intrinsic rewards focus on motivational incentives rather than structural design.