What advantage does a functional (departmentalized) structure provide?

A functional structure provides clear lines of authority, which is one of its primary advantages. In this type of organizational design, employees are grouped according to their specific functions or departments, such as marketing, finance, human resources, or operations. This grouping allows for a well-defined hierarchy and delineation of roles and responsibilities within each department, which helps streamline decision-making processes and improve efficiency.

Having clear lines of authority minimizes confusion about who is responsible for what, facilitates accountability, and ensures that instructions and feedback can flow smoothly from higher management down to the employees. It creates an environment where team members know their positions in the organization and whom to report to, thus fostering clarity in the chain of command and enabling effective management of tasks and responsibilities.

While the other options might seem appealing in certain contexts, the hallmark of a functional structure is indeed the clarity in authority and responsibility it provides, making it easier to manage operations and achieve departmental objectives.