Conservation Forest Service Case Study $($Questions pertain to Case Study$)$

Abdul Bond, department manager for a Conservation Forest Service district, felt frustrated in his attempt to convince the district manager to adopt some of his ideas for improved reorganization. One idea was to arrange for employees from different functional departments to meet regularly and resolve mutual problems. Also, he felt lower$-$level supervisors should be given more authority and responsibility. Another idea was to increase the spans of control for department managers and make the district organization flatter. Finally, Abdul thought that decision$-$making authority in many areas should be at the departmental level rather than handled by the district manager. The district manager said no to all his suggestions. Consequently, Abdul thought about going around his district manager and talking directly with the manager's boss.

If Abdul talks to his district manager's boss, he is most likely violating what organizational concept?

Span of control

Chain of command

Empowerment

Line authority