What does "specialization" in administrative theory refer to?

"Specialization" in administrative theory primarily refers to the division of labor aimed at increasing efficiency within an organization. It is based on the idea that when individuals focus on specific tasks or roles, they can perform these tasks more effectively and with greater proficiency. This specialization allows workers to become experts in their areas, leading to improvements in productivity and the quality of work.

In a highly specialized environment, tasks are broken down into smaller, more manageable components, which can be handled by individuals or teams that possess specific skills or knowledge. This not only streamlines the workflow but also enhances overall operational efficiency as workers do not have to split their focus between multiple, unrelated tasks.

While the other concepts mentioned, such as creating diverse teams, developing new tasks, and expanding job roles, can contribute to organizational dynamics, none encapsulate the fundamental principle of specialization in the way that the division of labor does. Specialization directly addresses how roles and responsibilities are structured to optimize performance within administrative frameworks.