Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion states that a tall organizational structure can lead to delays in decision-making, which is true. A tall organizational structure has multiple layers of management between the top-level and lower-level employees. When decision-making authority has to pass through several layers, it can result in delays as each layer may require time to review, analyze, and approve decisions, leading to slower processes.

The reason provided supports the assertion by explaining that a tall organizational structure involves several layers of management between the top-level and lower-level employees. This intermediate hierarchy often leads to delays in decision-making due to the time it takes for decisions to be communicated up and down the various levels of the organization.