Which organizational structure is common in mid-sized and large organizations to enhance decision-making?

Line-and-staff organizations combine the direct, chain-of-command structure of line organizations with the expertise and support functions typically found in staff roles. This structure is particularly effective in mid-sized and large organizations as it allows for specialized departments to provide support to line managers while maintaining clear lines of authority.

In this setup, line managers are responsible for the core activities of the organization and have the authority to make decisions, while staff members provide advisory and support services, usually based on their area of expertise. This arrangement enhances decision-making by ensuring that decisions are informed by specialized knowledge and experience, which is crucial for complex and large-scale organizational operations.

Furthermore, this structure facilitates communication and collaboration across different functions, thereby optimizing the decision-making process. It allows organizations to be more agile and responsive to changing conditions in their environment as they can draw on the specialized capabilities of staff while still maintaining a focus on core operational goals.