Question

What are the defining features of bureaucracies (bureaucratic organizations)?

A) Centralized decision-making.
B) Hierarchical structure.
C) Formal rules and regulations.
D) All of the above.

Answer 1

Bureaucracies are formal organizations characterized by a hierarchy of authority, a clear division of labor, explicit rules, and impersonality. These features make them slow, rule-bound, difficult to navigate, and unfriendly. They can be found in various sectors, including government, private companies, and nonprofits.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bureaucracies are an ideal type of formal organization. Pioneer sociologist Max Weber characterized a bureaucracy as having a hierarchy of authority, a clear division of labor, explicit rules, and impersonality. These defining features make bureaucracies often slow, rule-bound, difficult to navigate, and unfriendly. Bureaucratic organizations can be found in various sectors, including government, private companies, and nonprofits.