Which Air Force organizational objective states organizations should be designed so that lower echelons can achieve objectives without the need of continuous control from above?

Decentralization is a key organizational objective that focuses on distributing decision-making authority and responsibilities throughout various levels of an organization. By implementing a decentralized structure, lower echelons are empowered to act autonomously, making it easier for them to achieve objectives without relying on constant oversight from higher authorities. This promotes agility and responsiveness within the organization, allowing teams to adapt to changing circumstances and make timely decisions.

In a decentralized framework, leaders can encourage innovation and initiative among their employees, which can lead to improved morale and greater job satisfaction. Teams are more likely to take ownership of their tasks and become more invested in the outcomes, ultimately contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization as a whole.

The other options—centralization, collaboration, and integration—do not emphasize this autonomy and empowerment of lower echelons. Centralization typically involves consolidating authority at the upper levels of management, which can hinder the responsiveness and initiative of lower-level employees. Collaboration focuses on teamwork and joint efforts, which may not directly address the autonomy aspect. Integration refers to the alignment and coordination of various parts of an organization, but it does not inherently imply the same level of empowerment for lower echelons. Hence, decentralization is the objective that best aligns with the notion of