Final answer:
When executives defer to others in email communication, this leads to decentralization, distributing decision-making across the organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
When executives defer to other employees in email communication, the result is decentralization. In the case of Enron, executives giving autonomy and decision-making power to employees resulted in a more decentralized organization. Decentralization means shifting decision-making authority to lower levels in the organization, empowering employees and promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Deferring to other employees in e-mail communication can lead to a form of organizational structure known as decentralization. This occurs when decision-making authority is dispersed throughout the organization rather than being centralized at the top executive levels. Decentralization can foster a more dynamic and flexible work environment, where the input and expertise of various employees are valued and contribute to the decision-making process. It can encourage empowerment and quick responses to changing situations by those who are closest to the problem or task. However, it should not be confused with information overload, which refers to individuals or systems being overwhelmed with information, impacting the capacity to make decisions efficiently.