The research and development division of Anchor Inc., a manufacturing firm, has a sizeable number of engineers for its employees. The buying decisions related to the equipment to be used in the research and development of new technologies is primarily made by the engineers. Based on these traits, which of the following organization-specific factors is most relevant in the division's purchasing process?

a. Monopolization

b. Segmentation

c. Orientation

d. Centralization

The correct answer is letter "C": Orientation.

Explanation:

The primary organization-specific factors are orientation, size of the organization, and degree of centralization. Orientation refers to the function of a company that controls the decisions in regards to purchases. The size of the organization implies decision making will be more centralized in larger firms while more decentralized in smaller firms. Finally, the degree of centralization states that even in highly autonomous corporations, some purchases might be subject to the approval of a manager who confirms the need for the assets being acquired.

Because in Anchor Inc. the purchase decisions are made by engineers the orientation organization-specific factor is more relevant in that company.