What is NOT an advantage of top-down budgeting?

Top-down budgeting refers to a budgeting approach where senior management sets the budget, and then it is distributed among the various departments. In this context, the chosen answer - "Effective use of local knowledge" - is not considered an advantage of top-down budgeting because this approach tends to centralize decision-making and may overlook the insights and specific circumstances of individual departments or lower levels of management.

When budgets are directed from the top, local managers often have limited input in formulating budgets. This can lead to budgets that do not fully account for the actual needs or opportunities present in their areas of responsibility. As a result, local expertise and nuanced understanding of operational challenges can be sidelined, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of resource allocation.

In contrast, the other aspects highlighted, such as gaining a better understanding of corporate objectives, allowing senior managers to maintain control over resources, and streamlining the budgeting process, are all advantages typically associated with top-down budgeting. This approach can ensure alignment with overarching company goals, provide a clear chain of accountability, and expedite the budgeting process by reducing the amount of negotiation and deliberation involved at lower levels.