Which term describes a horizontal chain of command that cuts across multiple vertical lines of authority?

Which term describes a horizontal chain of command that cuts across multiple vertical lines of authority?

• A. Staff management
• B. Strategy
• C. Tactical plan
• D. Team

Answer: (A)

When an organization uses a horizontal line of authority that cuts across multiple vertical units, it’s about staff management. This concept covers roles and departments that provide specialized expertise, guidance, and coordination across different parts of the organization rather than commanding one department’s day-to-day operations. Staff functions—such as human resources, legal, or corporate planning—work across lines of authority to standardize practices, share best practices, and help align actions organization-wide. The other options describe planning or a working group, not a cross-cutting command structure. Strategy focuses on long-term aims, a tactical plan on how to act in the near term, and a team is a group assembled to complete tasks.

When an organization uses a horizontal line of authority that cuts across multiple vertical units, it’s about staff management. This concept covers roles and departments that provide specialized expertise, guidance, and coordination across different parts of the organization rather than commanding one department’s day-to-day operations. Staff functions—such as human resources, legal, or corporate planning—work across lines of authority to standardize practices, share best practices, and help align actions organization-wide. The other options describe planning or a working group, not a cross-cutting command structure. Strategy focuses on long-term aims, a tactical plan on how to act in the near term, and a team is a group assembled to complete tasks.