What term describes the process where different individuals and units perform distinct tasks within an organization?

The term that best describes the process where different individuals and units perform distinct tasks within an organization is specialization. Specialization refers to the division of labor where specific tasks are assigned to individuals or teams, allowing them to focus on what they do best. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity because individuals can develop greater expertise in their specific roles.

In a specialized environment, various functions are distinguished from one another, promoting depth of knowledge, skill improvement, and enhanced performance in each area. For instance, in a manufacturing setting, one unit may focus on assembly while another handles quality control, each contributing to the overall operation in uniquely defined ways.

Collaboration, while important in organizational contexts, emphasizes working together towards common goals and does not specifically refer to the distinction of tasks. Standardization involves establishing uniform procedures and protocols across tasks and does not inherently imply the division of labor. Integration, on the other hand, refers to the process of unifying various components or systems within the organization and is about coordination rather than separation of functions. Thus, specialization is the most accurate term for the described process.