Final answer:
Rigid departmentalization features clear functional boundaries and a strict hierarchy, making it less adaptive to changes, whereas loose departmentalization promotes flexibility and adaptability.
Step-by-step explanation:
In organizational structure, rigid departmentalization is characterized by strict adherence to rules, clear division of labor, and a defined hierarchy of authority. By contrast, loose departmentalization features more flexibility, with less rigidly defined roles and a more collaborative approach to authority and task management. A characteristic of rigid departmentalization compared to loose departmentalization is that it does not allow for easy adaptation to changes, as this would conflict with the structured and pre-defined nature of roles and procedures within the organization. Instead, rigid departmentalization is succeeded by its clear and distinct functional boundaries, stability, and predictability, which come at the cost of decreased adaptability and potential reduced efficiency in the face of new challenges.
On the other hand, loose departmentalization fosters an environment where job roles can evolve and employees may interact across traditional boundaries, promoting overall flexibility and adaptability, but sometimes at the expense of losing clear functional boundaries.
Therefore, option D is incorrect as it does not accurately describe loose departmentalization. Bureaucracies often exemplify the traits of rigid departmentalization with their clear division of labor, making it difficult to adjust to new or unique situations. As organizations shift towards flatter structures with enhanced teamwork, the downsides of excessive rigidity come to the forefront in the information age.