What principle emphasizes constructing a hierarchy with the fewest levels of authority to utilize organizational resources effectively?

The principle that emphasizes constructing a hierarchy with the fewest levels of authority to effectively utilize organizational resources is the concept of command. This principle focuses on maintaining clear lines of authority and responsibility, which helps streamline decision-making and enhances communication within the organization. By minimizing the levels of authority, organizations can reduce potential bottlenecks in information flow and facilitate faster responses to changes or challenges in the environment.

A hierarchical structure based on the command principle allows for quicker execution of decisions, as fewer layers of management mean that directives can be communicated swiftly. This promotes efficiency and strengthens the organization's ability to allocate resources where they are most needed, thereby maximizing productivity and effectiveness.

Other principles, while related to organizational structure and effectiveness, do not specifically address the concept of reducing levels of authority for resource utilization. Control, for instance, relates to monitoring and regulating activities to ensure goals are met, whereas delegation involves the distribution of tasks and authority to subordinates. Flexibility is about adapting to changes, which is important but does not relate directly to the hierarchy of authority.