Final answer:
Hierarchy of authority refers to the chain of command in an organization, while formalization refers to the level of rules and procedures. The span of control refers to the number of subordinates a supervisor can effectively supervise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hierarchy of authority refers to the aspect of bureaucracy that places one individual or office in charge of another, who in turn must answer to her own superiors. For example, in a company like Walmart, your shift manager assigns you tasks and answers to the store manager, who answers to the regional manager, and so on. This chain of command ensures that everyone follows a clear reporting structure.
Formalization, on the other hand, refers to the level of rules, procedures, and documentation in an organization. It determines how standardized the work processes are and how strictly employees need to adhere to them. A highly formalized organization may have detailed job descriptions, extensive written policies, and standardized procedures, while a less formalized organization may allow more flexibility and discretion in how work is done.
The span of control is the number of subordinates that a supervisor or manager can effectively supervise. It refers to the number of individuals who report directly to a supervisor. A narrow span of control means that a supervisor has a smaller number of subordinates, while a wide span of control means that a supervisor has a larger number of subordinates. The span of control varies depending on factors such as the complexity of tasks, the level of employee skills, and the amount of supervision required.