Which of the following could increase the speed of decision-making in an organization?

A flat structure is characterized by fewer levels of management between staff and executives, which generally leads to increased speed in decision-making. In such an organizational framework, employees tend to have more direct communication and less bureaucracy, enabling quicker responses to changes and issues as they arise. The reduced layers of approval facilitate a faster flow of information and empower employees to make decisions without waiting for several layers of management consent.

In contrast, a hierarchical structure can slow down decision-making due to its multi-tiered nature, where decisions require approval from several levels of management. Similarly, while a network structure can be efficient in certain contexts, it often operates within specific partnerships or alliances, which may introduce complications and delays in decision-making across multiple entities. The matrix structure also adds complexity, as it combines different departments or functions, often leading to potential confusion and slower resolution of decisions due to the dual reporting relationships.

Thus, the simplicity and immediacy of a flat structure contribute significantly to faster decision-making processes within an organization.