In which type of organization do decisions at lower levels require review from higher managers, which can slow down communication?

In a tall (vertical) organization, the hierarchical structure is characterized by many layers of management. This type of organization typically requires that decisions made at lower levels be reviewed and approved by higher levels of management. As a result, the chain of command is longer, which can lead to delays in communication and decision-making processes. The multiple levels of management can cause bottlenecks, as individuals at lower levels must wait for input, feedback, or approvals from those above them. This structure, while potentially providing more oversight and control, often hinders the agility and speed of responses in an organization.

In contrast, other types of organizations, such as flat organizations, have fewer levels of hierarchy, allowing for faster decision-making and communication. Matrix organizations bring together different reporting structures, which can complicate decision-making but often promote quicker communication among departments. Product organizations are structured around product lines, allowing for specific focus but not necessarily affecting the speed of decision-making in the same way as a tall organization. Thus, the defining characteristic of tall organizations is that they require multiple layers for decision approval, leading to slower communication.