The line of authority that extends from the upper levels of management to the lowest levels of the organization is .

A. authorized line of responsibility
B. responsibility factor
C. unity of command
D. chain of command

The answer in this case would be option D. given in the answer choices or Chain of Command.

Explanation:

Under the chain of command system, the line of authority or organizational control runs hierarchically from the top to the low levels of the administrative management chain.The organizational functions, duties, assignments and responsibilities are arranged according to the hierarchical structure of the organizational management or administration under the chain of command system. The departmental designations and divisions under the chain of command are also guided by hierarchical classification of the organization management.The officials under the department of the lower levels of management usually work under and report to the middle or top management levels and the departments and officials working in the mid level management generally reports to the top level management in any business organization.Hence, the line of control or authority flows or runs from the upper/top level to the relatively lower levels of management under chain of command.