An HR department with distinct roles for recruiting, performance management, and employee relations exemplifies which element of business structure?

The selection of division of labor as the answer highlights the organizational practice where tasks and responsibilities are divided among different roles or functions. In an HR department with clear distinctions for recruiting, performance management, and employee relations, each team member or function is specialized in a specific area of expertise. This specialization allows for greater efficiency and effectiveness within the HR function, as each area can focus on its own unique set of tasks and responsibilities.

When division of labor is implemented, it enhances productivity because employees can develop expertise in their specific roles, leading to improved performance and better outcomes. Each function supports the overall objectives of the HR department and the organization, contributing to a well-organized structure that clarifies roles and responsibilities.

The alternative options, while related to aspects of organizational design, do not encapsulate the focus on specialization in the context provided. Span of control pertains to the number of direct reports a manager has. Hierarchy of authority refers to the levels of management and reporting relationships within an organization. Generalists and specialists is a term that contrasts roles within a department but doesn't specifically address how tasks are divided. Thus, division of labor provides the best fit for the described structure in the HR department.