What is a primary advantage of the multi-divisional organizational structure?

The primary advantage of the multi-divisional organizational structure is the accountability of local executives for operational results. This structure allows each division to operate semi-autonomously, focusing on specific products, services, or geographical areas. By having local executives responsible for the performance of their respective divisions, it promotes a sense of ownership and encourages accountability. These leaders are better positioned to respond to the unique challenges and opportunities that their divisions face, which can lead to improved performance and adaptability.

In contrast, centralized cost control may be a feature of other organizational structures but is not a hallmark of the multi-divisional approach, which typically allows for some degree of autonomy. Uniformity in decision-making across divisions can lead to inefficiencies and hinder the unique strategies that different divisions may need to implement. Lastly, a reduced number of business units is typically not an advantage of this structure; the multi-divisional approach often involves having multiple divisions to cover diverse markets or product lines, which can create a larger overall organization rather than reducing its complexity.