What type of organization is characterized by a clear chain of command and control over personnel?

A line organization is characterized by a clear chain of command and a direct vertical hierarchy that facilitates control over personnel. In this structure, each employee reports to a single supervisor, which simplifies decision-making and enhances accountability. This type of organization is common in law enforcement agencies, where clear authority and responsibility are critical for effective operations.

With a line organization, communication flows in a straightforward manner from the top down, which streamlines processes and ensures that directives and policies are clearly understood and implemented by all levels of staff. This structure is particularly effective in environments where swift decision-making and clear roles are necessary to maintain order, such as in law enforcement.

In contrast, other types of organizations, like staff or functional organizations, may introduce complexities that can dilute authority or lead to confusion about responsibility. An auxiliary organization typically supports core operations but does not have the same direct command and control features inherent to line organizations.