Which one of the following refers to the people who truly influence decision making within a company,

regardless of their position on the company’s organizational chart?

A. Human resource team
C. Informational task force
B. Organizational team
D. Informal chain of command

a human resource team

The correct answer is D. Informal chain of command.

To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options:

A. Human resource team: The human resource team typically handles personnel matters, such as recruitment, training, and employee relations. While they may have some influence in decision making, their primary role is not focused on shaping company-wide decisions.

B. Organizational team: This is a generic term and does not specifically refer to a group that influences decision making. It could refer to any team within the organization, which may or may not have decision-making authority.

C. Informational task force: An informational task force is a group formed to gather and analyze information on a specific issue or project. While they may provide recommendations or insights, their influence on decision making depends on how their findings are received and implemented by the decision-makers.

D. Informal chain of command: The informal chain of command refers to the network of relationships and connections among individuals within an organization, regardless of their formal positions. It includes individuals who have gained influence and trust through their expertise, experience, or relationships with key decision-makers. This informal network can greatly impact the decision-making process, as these individuals often have the trust and influence to shape decisions, even if they do not hold formal positions of authority.

Therefore, the people who truly influence decision-making within a company, regardless of their position on the company's organizational chart, are typically part of the informal chain of command.