A flat structure in an organization is typically defined by what feature?

A flat organizational structure is characterized by having few management levels between staff and executives. This feature allows for greater employee autonomy and communication, as there are fewer layers of management to navigate. In a flat structure, decision-making can often be more decentralized, promoting faster responses to changes and encouraging a collaborative environment among employees.

The focus on having few management levels means that employees may have more direct access to upper management, leading to increased transparency and a more dynamic exchange of ideas. Additionally, this structure can help reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining a larger number of managers, making the organization more agile and flexible.

In contrast, many management levels would denote a more hierarchical structure, which can create barriers to communication and slower decision-making processes. Similarly, a rigid hierarchy and centralized decision-making indicate a more traditional, top-down approach, which does not align with the characteristics of a flat organizational model.