Which characteristic defines centralized organizations?

Centralized organizations are characterized by a concentration of decision-making authority at the upper levels of management. In such structures, key decisions are made by a limited number of top executives who retain control over the overall operations and strategic direction of the organization. This allows for uniformity in decision-making, as policies and procedures are established from the top and disseminated throughout the organization.

The emphasis on control at the top levels fosters consistency and a clear chain of command, which can lead to greater efficiency in decision execution. It also means that the organization can react swiftly to changes in the environment, as there are fewer individuals involved in the decision-making process.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics more typical of decentralized organizations, where decision-making is distributed or involves a broader range of employees, including low-level staff. This would lead to a more collaborative approach and potentially slower decision-making due to the need to reach consensus among more participants. Centralization, by keeping decision-making concentrated, streamlines processes and ensures that the organization's vision and objectives are coherently followed throughout.