Which option is a less justifiable aim of centralizing administrative functions?

Which option is a less justifiable aim of centralizing administrative functions?

• A. the quantity of work done can be more easily measured
• B. confidential assignments can be more closely guarded
• C. the work can be more equally distributed
• D. supervisory costs can be decreased

Answer: (B)

Centralization is often pursued to improve coordination and efficiency by standardizing processes and concentrating authority in one place. When work flows through a central unit, it’s easier to measure exactly how much is being done and compare performance across the organization. It also makes it possible to allocate tasks to balance workloads and avoid bottlenecks, since the central unit can see the overall picture. Fewer layers of supervision can cut overhead, reducing supervisory costs. Guarding confidential assignments, while important, is not a primary justification for centralization because concentrating sensitive tasks in one place can actually raise security risks unless strict controls are in place; the need to protect confidentiality is not inherently a direct benefit of centralization.

Centralization is often pursued to improve coordination and efficiency by standardizing processes and concentrating authority in one place. When work flows through a central unit, it’s easier to measure exactly how much is being done and compare performance across the organization. It also makes it possible to allocate tasks to balance workloads and avoid bottlenecks, since the central unit can see the overall picture. Fewer layers of supervision can cut overhead, reducing supervisory costs. Guarding confidential assignments, while important, is not a primary justification for centralization because concentrating sensitive tasks in one place can actually raise security risks unless strict controls are in place; the need to protect confidentiality is not inherently a direct benefit of centralization.