Decentralized purchasing organizations are characterized by which of the following?

Decentralized purchasing organizations are characterized by multiple individual decisions, which means that authority and responsibility for making purchasing decisions are distributed across various departments or units within the organization. This structure allows individual units to cater to their specific needs and respond quickly to local market conditions or operational requirements, as each unit has the autonomy to make its purchasing choices.

This decentralization can lead to greater flexibility and responsiveness, as local managers often have a better understanding of their specific requirements and can tailor their purchasing strategies accordingly. However, it can also result in varied purchasing practices across the organization, which may lead to inefficiencies or inconsistencies in procurement processes if not managed carefully.