What management structure is characterized by power coming from the top, often leading to fragmented work and communication loss?

The management structure characterized by power coming from the top is known as vertical management. In this approach, decision-making is centralized among higher levels of management, which can lead to a clear chain of command but often results in fragmented work and communication loss among lower-level employees.

Because directions and decisions flow down through various levels of hierarchy, employees at the lower levels may feel disconnected from the decision-making process. This can lead to miscommunication, lack of engagement, and a sense of alienation, as employees might not fully understand the rationale behind decisions that impact their work. The top-down approach can inhibit collaboration and limit feedback from those who are directly involved in carrying out tasks, which can further exacerbate issues related to teamwork and overall effectiveness in the organization.

In contrast, horizontal management promotes more collaboration and communication across departments, while team management focuses on empowering groups to make decisions. Participative management involves employees in the decision-making process, which contrasts sharply with the central authority typical of vertical management structures.