Final answer:
The company described has a line-and-staff organizational structure, with a clear line of authority from top management to lower-level employees and specialized staff positions for support and expertise. option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The company described in the question has a line-and-staff organizational structure. In this type of structure, there is a clear line of authority from the top management down to the lower-level employees, but there are also staff positions that provide specialized support and expertise to the line managers.
In this case, the branch manager (Brandon) is part of the line management and reports directly to the area manager. The area manager oversees multiple stores and represents the line authority. However, there may be additional staff positions, like HR or finance, that support the branch manager and provide the resources needed for effective management.
This structure allows for efficient decision-making and clear communication channels, but it may lead to frustration for line managers like Brandon if they feel they lack the necessary resources. It's important for Brandon to communicate his needs to the area manager and seek support from the staff functions to address any resource constraints.