Which feature is typical of an adhocracy in practice?

• A. Centralized decision-making
• B. Few formal controls
• C. Fixed job roles
• D. Strict standardization

Answer: (B)

Adhocracy relies on flexibility, experimentation, and rapid response. It operates in an organic way where teams form around projects, authority is distributed and fluid, and rules are lightweight. In this environment, few formal controls are in place, so people can move quickly, make decisions close to the action, and adapt as new information emerges.

Having few formal controls is the best match because it directly supports the ability to reconfigure teams, change priorities, and pursue innovative ideas without being slowed by bureaucracy. Centralized decision-making would bottleneck momentum, fixed job roles would limit how people are reassigned to where they’re most needed, and strict standardization would stifle creativity and responsiveness.