What is a characteristic of a flat organizational structure?

A flat organizational structure is characterized by a wide span of control, meaning that a manager supervises a larger number of employees. This structure reduces the number of hierarchical levels within the organization, leading to increased employee autonomy as there are fewer managers and layers of management between frontline staff and top leadership.

In contrast to traditional hierarchical structures, where a narrow span of control is common, a flat structure promotes direct communication and faster decision-making, as employees are less likely to be bogged down by bureaucracy. This setup can also enhance collaboration and innovation since teams are often more integrated. The focus is on empowering employees rather than managing them through several layers of hierarchy, which often slows down processes and decision-making.

Therefore, the characteristic of a wide span of control accurately reflects the essence of a flat organizational structure, making it the correct answer.