Which organizational chart shows authority flowing from the top down with clear lines of responsibility?

Which organizational chart shows authority flowing from the top down with clear lines of responsibility?

• A. Matrix Organizational Chart
• B. Line Organizational Chart
• C. Job description
• D. Task outline

Answer: (B)

A Line Organizational Chart shows authority flowing from the top down with clear lines of responsibility. In this structure, a single chain of command runs vertically from the top leader to each level, so everyone knows who they report to and who is responsible for decisions. This makes accountability straightforward and minimizes ambiguity about who has authority for different tasks. In contrast, a matrix organizational chart distributes authority across two dimensions (such as functional and project lines), which creates dual or multiple reporting relationships and can blur who is responsible for decisions. A job description is not an organizational chart at all—it outlines responsibilities and duties of a role, not the reporting structure. A task outline focuses on the sequence of tasks, not on who oversees or approves them within an organization.

A Line Organizational Chart shows authority flowing from the top down with clear lines of responsibility. In this structure, a single chain of command runs vertically from the top leader to each level, so everyone knows who they report to and who is responsible for decisions. This makes accountability straightforward and minimizes ambiguity about who has authority for different tasks.

In contrast, a matrix organizational chart distributes authority across two dimensions (such as functional and project lines), which creates dual or multiple reporting relationships and can blur who is responsible for decisions. A job description is not an organizational chart at all—it outlines responsibilities and duties of a role, not the reporting structure. A task outline focuses on the sequence of tasks, not on who oversees or approves them within an organization.