Question

Which of the following are examples of recursive relationships?

1) An organizational unit made up of departments
2) An employee who manages other employees
3) An employee who manages a department
4) An employee who has many dependents

Answer 1

The best example of a recursive relationship from the given options is an employee who manages other employees, as it represents a role-based hierarchy within an organization. Option 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

Recursive relationships are a type of relationship in which an entity is related to itself in a hierarchy or through a role-based connection. Considering the provided examples and the concept of recursive relationships, let's look at each example:

• An organizational unit made up of departments - This represents a part-whole relationship but not necessarily a recursive one unless you are referring to sub-departments within departments.
• An employee who manages other employees - This is an example of a recursive relationship because it indicates a hierarchy where an employee has a managerial role over others.
• An employee who manages a department - While this implies a role within an organizational hierarchy, it does not represent a recursive relationship with the employees themselves.
• An employee who has many dependents - This is an example of a relationship but not a recursive one in the business context.

Given these points, the most accurate example of a recursive relationship is an employee who manages other employees (#2).

This relationship typically exists within a hierarchy of authority, where the chain of command is essential, though, in modern organizations, the dynamics of these relationships sometimes reflect more teamwork and less traditional hierarchy.

Hence, the right answer is option 2.