What type of organizational arrangement involves coordination between individuals from different departments at the same level?

The correct choice identifies a lateral organizational arrangement, which specifically emphasizes coordination and collaboration among individuals or teams that occupy similar levels within different departments. This approach fosters communication and cooperation across departments, enabling a more integrated and efficient problem-solving process.

In a lateral arrangement, the focus is on teamwork and collaboration, rather than top-down directives or hierarchy. This allows for a sharing of ideas and resources, enhancing innovation and responsiveness to challenges that may not be effectively addressed within the confines of a single department.

While a vertical arrangement typically involves a clear chain of command from higher to lower levels of management, and a hierarchical structure emphasizes levels of authority and responsibility, the lateral setup breaks down silos between departments and promotes a more unified approach to achieving organizational goals. The matrix structure, on the other hand, combines elements of both vertical and lateral coordination but can introduce complexities due to its dual reporting relationships. Therefore, the lateral arrangement stands out as the most fitting answer for facilitating interdepartmental collaboration at the same organizational level.