A sound organization may be said to exist when:

• A. Executive authority and responsibility are co-equal
• B. An administrator has many subordinates reporting directly
• C. Lines of authority are left undefined to encourage initiative
• D. Division in lines of authority

Answer: (D)

A sound organization hinges on clearly defined lines of authority and a proper division of responsibilities. When authority is clearly assigned and knows who has the power to approve actions and make decisions, there’s less confusion about who is accountable for results. This organized structure supports coordinated effort, reduces redundancy, and makes it easier to delegate tasks to the right levels. That is why having a division in lines of authority best describes an effectively run organization.

If authority and responsibility were treated as co-equal without a clear holder of accountability, it would blur who is answerable for outcomes. If an administrator has many subordinates reporting directly, the span of control can become wide, leading to bottlenecks and diminished oversight. Leaving lines of authority undefined to foster initiative invites chaos, conflicting actions, and a lack of consistent direction.