As represented in a hierarchical organization diagram, authority is based on ________

A) vertical position only
B) horizontal position only
C) distance from the center only
D) horizontal and vertical position

Answer: A
Explanation: In a hierarchical organization diagram, vertical position is a measure of authority. The person at the top, therefore, has the most authority and the person on the bottom the least, making "vertical position only" the correct choice. The three other listed possibilities feature a horizontal dimension, so they are incorrect.