An organizational structure dealing with an authoritarian chain of command is referred to as __________.

• A. Democratic
• B. Matrix
• C. Paramilitary
• D. Bureaucratic

Answer: (C)

An organization that follows a military-style command with centralized authority, strict discipline, clear ranks, and standardized procedures fits the description of paramilitary. This setup emphasizes obedience and a top-down flow of orders, which is what “authoritarian chain of command” conveys. In practice, paramilitary structures are designed for tight coordination and rapid, coordinated action, similar to how a military unit operates.

Democratic structures prioritize participation and shared decision-making, so they don’t align with authoritarian control. Matrix structures involve multiple reporting lines across functions, which disrupts a single, rigid chain of command. Bureaucratic organizations emphasize formal rules and impersonal procedures; they can be hierarchical, but the emphasis is on standardized processes rather than military-style obedience.