In a centralized organization, who typically makes major policy decisions?

• A. Fire Chief
• B. Immediate Supervisor
• C. Functional Supervisor
• D. Staff Personnel

Answer: (A)

In a centralized organization, decision-making authority for major policies rests with the top leadership. The Fire Chief holds the highest official role in a fire department and is responsible for setting department-wide policies, strategic direction, and resource allocation. Those policies then guide how the rest of the organization operates.

The other roles—immediate supervisors and functional supervisors—focus on implementing policies and running day-to-day operations within their areas. Staff personnel provide analysis and recommendations but don’t typically grant or authorize broad policy changes. So, when the question asks who typically makes major policy decisions in a centralized structure, the Fire Chief is the one who holds that authority.