Question

is difficult to measure because power differences are not defined on the organization chart.

strategic contingencies
horizontal power
dependency
decision premise

Explanation:

Analyze the question stem

The question asks to identify the concept that is difficult to measure because its power differences are not defined on the formal organization chart.

Evaluate the options

• Strategic contingencies: This refers to events or activities both inside and outside an organization that are essential for attaining organizational goals. While related to power, it is a specific theory of how horizontal power is obtained rather than the definition of the power itself.
• Horizontal power: This refers to relationships across departments, divisions, or units at the same level of the organizational hierarchy. Unlike vertical power (which is clearly defined by formal reporting lines on an organization chart), horizontal power is informal, fluid, and difficult to measure because it does not appear on the formal organization chart.
• Dependency: This is a general relationship where one party relies on another, but it does not specifically address the horizontal, non-charted power dynamics.
• Decision premise: This refers to the values or assumptions that guide decision-making, which is not a type of power.

Select the correct concept

Horizontal power perfectly matches the definition of power relationships that exist across departments at the same level and are not formally defined on an organization chart.

Answer:

• Strategic contingencies
• Horizontal power (Correct answer)
• Dependency
• Decision premise