Final answer:
The subject of this question is Business. The question pertains to the structure of organizations and how authority is distributed. In a flat organizational structure, authority comes from expertise as much as formal position.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Business. The discussion of a flat organizational structure and authority stemming from expertise rather than formal position is characteristic of modern business practices. This approach contrasts with traditional bureaucracies, which were defined by sociologist Max Weber as having a strict hierarchy of authority, a clear division of labor, explicit rules, and impersonality. Businesses have been transitioning away from these rigid hierarchies in favor of more flexible, team-based structures where collegial relationships are encouraged and feedback is sought from all levels of the organization. In this team-based approach, various skills, experience, and expertise are pooled together to pursue specific tasks or goals. However, while the team-based structure is gaining popularity, it is still a subject of active research, and its impact on productivity is not yet conclusively determined.