What characterizes functional departmentalization?

Functional departmentalization is characterized by grouping jobs that share similar tasks. This approach organizes employees based on the functions they perform or the roles they play within the organization. For instance, all marketing personnel may be grouped together in the marketing department, while all finance professionals may be placed in the finance department. This structure promotes specialization, as employees can develop expertise in their specific functional area, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.

The focus on similar tasks allows for clearer communication and collaboration among employees who share the same goals and processes. This kind of departmentalization facilitates better coordination within departments, as team members are working on related activities and can more easily share information and support each other. It also enables management to maintain clear oversight of specialized functions, making it easier to evaluate performance and implement strategies specific to each department's goals.

In contrast, other options suggest diverse or arbitrary groupings that do not facilitate specialization or cohesion around common tasks, which is essential for functional departmentalization.