What is a common feature of centralized authority?

Centralized authority is characterized by the concentration of decision-making power at the top levels of the organizational hierarchy. This structure typically leads to efficient decision-making because fewer individuals, usually those in higher management positions, are responsible for making pivotal decisions. With a streamlined decision-making process, organizations can respond more quickly to issues and implement policies uniformly across various levels, leading to consistency in operations and strategic goals.

In contrast, greater employee autonomy would suggest a decentralized approach where lower-level employees have more power to make decisions. Similarly, when decisions are made at lower levels, it indicates decentralized authority, and having multiple authority figures can lead to confusion and a lack of cohesive direction. Thus, the efficiency gained in decision-making is a significant aspect of centralized authority, making it the correct answer.