Final answer:
The transition of David, a human resources manager at RedWall Inc., to a strategic role from an administrative position is best described as a horizontal move. Such a move involves changing functions or roles at the same level rather than moving up or down the corporate ladder. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
David, a human resources manager at RedWall Inc., is transitioning from an administrative role to a more strategic position within the HR department. Considering this shift involves a change in the nature and scope of his responsibilities, rather than his position within the organizational hierarchy, the best description of this change is a horizontal move. A horizontal move typically entails a shift to a different type of role or function at the same level within the company, unlike a vertical move which would involve a promotion to a higher level or a downward move which would indicate a demotion.
In the current business environment, organizational structures are becoming flatter, which facilitates more dynamic role changes that may not strictly involve upward mobility, as stated in Jane's example. This shift is reflective of modern management strategies and changes in how businesses respond to challenges and growth opportunities, such as mergers and acquisitions, where integration of different departments may occur.