Final answer:
The functional organization structure's main advantage is having a single boss, leading to clear roles and streamlines decision-making, while leveraging specialized expertise in a department-focused approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advantages of a functional organization structure include having a clear hierarchy with a defined chain of command, which often leads to having only one boss. This can streamline decision-making processes, create clear roles and responsibilities, and deduce conflicts related to authority. Most importantly, this structure leverages specialists' expertise by dividing departments based on function, allowing for a focused approach to tasks.
In contrast to more modern, flat structures that promote teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, traditional bureaucracies like functional organizations provide stability and clear-cut career paths within specialized areas. However, the limitation of these structures can be their rigidity; they are less responsive to rapid changes in the market and may be challenged by the evolving needs of the Information Age.