Direct contact is an integrating mechanism that:
A) gives one functional manager the authority to tell another functional manager how to solve a problem.
B) involves a vice president meeting directly with two functional managers to resolve their problem.
C) is more complex than an integrating role.
D) entails two functional managers meeting to solve a common problem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Direct contact is a mechanism where two functional managers meet to solve a common problem. It is a form of horizontal coordination and can facilitate communication and cooperation between different departments or functions. Option A is incorrect because direct contact does not involve one functional manager having the authority to tell another functional manager what to do. Option B is incorrect because direct contact does not require the involvement of a vice president. Option C is also incorrect because direct contact is not more complex than an integrating role, it is just a different type of integration mechanism.

Direct Contact Is an Integrating Mechanism That