single approval authority
[ˈsɪŋɡəl əˈpruːvəl ɔːˈθɒrɪti]
nounpl: single approval authorities
autoridade única de aprovação
1. A single individual or entity vested with the power to make final decisions and approve actions, budgets, contracts, or policies without requiring additional authorization or consensus from other parties
The board implemented a single approval authority system where the CFO could approve expenses up to $100,000 without further review.
A diretoria implementou um sistema de autoridade única de aprovação onde o CFO poderia aprovar despesas até $100.000 sem análise adicional.
2. In organizational governance, a centralized approval mechanism where one designated authority holds complete decision-making power over specified matters
The single approval authority streamlined the procurement process by eliminating multiple review layers.
A autoridade única de aprovação simplificou o processo de compras eliminando múltiplas camadas de revisão.
This term is widely used in Brazilian corporate governance, public administration (particularly in CAIXA, BNDES, and federal agencies), and organizational restructuring. It reflects a preference for clear hierarchical authority and accountability, though it is increasingly critiqued for limiting transparency and creating bottlenecks. In the USA, it is common in military and hierarchical corporate structures but often balanced with checks and balances.
Related Idioms & Phrases
the buck stops here (equivalent concept of ultimate authority)
single point of failure (potential risk associated with this structure)
centralized decision-making
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