Final answer:
Horizontal specialization deals with task distribution at the same organizational level and does not establish a chain of command.
The chain of command is part of the hierarchy of authority in a bureaucracy, where each employee is accountable to their immediate superior, creating a structure of reporting relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
Horizontal specialization in an organization does not establish the chain of command, contrary to what the student has asked. Rather, it refers to how tasks are distributed among different people or departments at the same level within the company's hierarchy.
The chain of command, which is a core concept within a bureaucracy, is related to the hierarchy of authority and dictates who is responsible for whom within the organization.
For example, if you work at Walmart, you might receive tasks from your shift manager. This shift manager reports to the store manager, who in turn answers to the regional manager.
This pattern continues up the hierarchy until it reaches the CEO, who is accountable to the board members and, finally, the shareholders. In such a structured hierarchy, every member of the organization must adhere to the established chain of command.
However, it's important to note that in recent times, many organizations have shifted towards flatter structures with less rigid adherence to the chain of command, promoting teamwork and often involving employees at various levels in decision-making processes.
This shift acknowledges that while traditional hierarchies can enhance efficiency and ensure equal opportunities, they might not always be conducive to productivity in the modern information age.