The correct answer is: A. principle of balance
The principle of balance is a key concept in organizational theory. It refers to the need for organizations to strike a balance between different competing demands, such as efficiency, effectiveness, and flexibility.
Efficiency is the ability to produce goods or services with a minimum of waste. Effectiveness is the ability to achieve organizational goals. Flexibility is the ability to adapt to change.
Organizations that are able to strike a good balance between these three demands are more likely to be successful.
The other options are also important concepts in organizational theory, but they are not as central to the principle of balance as option A.
Option B, span of management, refers to the number of employees that a manager is responsible for. A narrow span of management means that each manager is responsible for a small number of employees, while a wide span of management means that each manager is responsible for a large number of employees.
Option C, organization process, refers to the steps that an organization takes to achieve its goals. These steps typically include planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling.
Option D, planning and forecasting, refers to the process of developing and implementing plans for the future. Planning involves setting goals and objectives, while forecasting involves predicting future events.
All of these concepts are important for effective organizing, but they are not as central to the principle of balance as option A.