How is organizational structure best defined?

Organizational structure is best defined as the work roles and authority relationships in an organization. This definition captures the essence of how an organization is arranged to facilitate both tasks and communication. It refers to the arrangement of different roles within the company, outlining who is responsible for what, how decision-making authority is distributed, and how information flows between different levels of management.

This structure is crucial for understanding how an organization operates and aligns toward its goals. It influences everything from employee behaviors and collaboration to the overall effectiveness of the organization in achieving its objectives. By establishing clear roles and relationships, the organizational structure helps ensure that all parts of the organization work together efficiently and harmoniously.

The other options refer to different aspects of an organization but do not encapsulate the definition of organizational structure. The corporate mission pertains to the overarching goals and philosophies guiding the organization; the physical layout relates to how the workspace is arranged physically, while technology involves the tools and systems utilized for operations. While all these elements are important, they do not define the framework of roles and authority that constitutes the organizational structure itself.