Final answer:
Placing the planning unit high in the hierarchy is intended to ensure strategic alignment and facilitate resource allocation. These actions help maintain a unified direction and optimize resource distribution, reflecting the positive aspects of bureaucracies like increased efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Placing the planning unit high in the hierarchy is done primarily for two reasons: A. To ensure strategic alignment and B. To facilitate resource allocation. Strategic alignment ensures that the decisions made at all levels of the organization are in line with the overall strategic goals.
This top-down approach streamlines decision-making processes and helps maintain a unified direction across the organization.
Efficient resource allocation ensures that resources are distributed according to strategic priorities, which optimizes organizational performance and contributes to achieving set objectives.
The concepts discussed here are reflective of the positive aspects of bureaucracies, such as increased efficiency and the ability to ensure equal opportunities for all members.
However, it's important to balance the hierarchy with flexibility, especially in the information age, where adherence to rigid protocols may impede productivity and efficiency.