Line workers at a Virginia steel mill developed a new process that made the line safer. It went through only one level of management before it was appapproved by the vice president of operations. A. Self-directed work groups and virtual teams.
B. Flattened management hierarchies.
C. Changing communication technologies.

B. Flattened management hierarchies.

Explanation:

In this scenario, the line workers at a Virginia steel mill developed a new process that made the line safer. The process went through only one level of management before it was approved by the vice president of operations. Hence, this is an example of a flattened management hierarchies.

A flattened management hierarchy can be defined as an organizational structure which eliminates a middle manager and allows the employees to be involved directly with the decision-making process.

Hence, by the removal of the middle management in an organization, the flattened management hierarchy creates a direct relationship between employees and the top executives of the company; thus, giving room for innovation and actions by employees in the decision-making process.