Which of the following is an advantage of a short chain of command?

A short chain of command offers the advantage of quicker and more accurate communication. This occurs because fewer levels of management are involved in relaying information. In such a structure, messages can be transmitted swiftly from top to bottom, reducing the likelihood of distortion or misunderstanding that can happen when information passes through multiple layers of management. Additionally, with all parties closer together in the hierarchy, there is often a clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities, which fosters effective interaction and collaboration.

In contrast, the other choices illustrate drawbacks typical of longer chains of command or hierarchical structures. For instance, increased distances between managers and workers can lead to reduced accessibility and engagement. Longer response times in communication can occur within more complex chains, where messages may need to travel through several managerial levels. Lastly, in a shorter chain of command, managers often have more capacity to delegate tasks effectively, as they are closer to their team members, directly overseeing their work.