Final answer:
Top managers hold cross-departmental responsibilities, overseeing the entire range of departmental functions within an organization and ensuring alignment with its strategic goals. They are accountable for departmental performance and must manage and lead diverse teams across the organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The top managers of an organization who are responsible for the performance of all of the departments are said to have cross-departmental responsibilities. This means they oversee various departmental functions and ensure that the collective efforts align with the organization's strategic goals. They are accountable if the departments are not meeting expectations and must be proficient in managing different facets of the business, from human resources to operations and finance.
Modern businesses are highly departmentalized, whether it's a simple restaurant or a complex manufacturing factory. Each sector, such as kitchen help, servers, janitors, or business managers, plays a critical role in the overall success of the operation. Top managers must ensure that these departments work synergistically, which requires a comprehensive understanding of the business and the ability to lead diverse teams effectively.