Final answer:
The right of a supervisor to direct work and make decisions without outside consultation is known as executive dominance or authoritarian leadership. It stems from the hierarchical structure of authority within an organization. While efficient, this approach can risk employee alienation if not balanced with a more cooperative management style.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that gives the supervisor the right to direct the work of their employees and make certain decisions without consulting others is referred to as executive dominance or authoritarian leadership. This concept is rooted in the hierarchy of authority, where each level of the organizational structure has a distinct place in the chain of command. For instance, in a retail store like Walmart, employees are assigned tasks by their shift managers. These shift managers, in turn, report to store managers, who then report to regional managers, and so on up to the CEO and board members, ultimately answering to the stockholders. The whole system functions based on the chain of command, ensuring that those at each level have the authority to make certain decisions autonomously.
However, it's important to note that while executive dominance can be efficient in situations where quick decision-making is essential, there is a risk of alienating employees if their feedback is consistently disregarded. Conversely, the traditional hierarchy is evolving to recognize the benefits of a more equal partnership between employees and management. This modern trend suggests a shift towards cooperative goal achievement, though it may not be universally adopted across all workplaces.