The most serious disadvantage of a straight line organization in a large unit is?

The most significant disadvantage of a straight line organization in a large unit is poor coordination. In a straight line or traditional organizational structure, communication typically flows in a linear manner, which can lead to information silos. This can hinder effective collaboration among different departments or teams, as there may be limited opportunities for cross-functional communication. In large units, where various functions must work together to achieve common goals, this lack of coordination can result in inefficiencies, delays in decision-making, and misunderstandings. The rigidity inherent in a straight line structure can limit flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs, worsening coordination issues.

While over-specialization, lack of delegation, and a complex chain of command can also pose challenges in organizational structures, they do not directly encapsulate the core issue faced by large units with straight line organizations as effectively as poor coordination does. Poor coordination can have profound impacts on operations and overall effectiveness, making it a critical concern in such organizational setups.