Final answer:
Division of labor refers to the assignment of specific tasks to individuals to prevent duplication of effort, a concept introduced by Adam Smith. Bureaucracies often utilize this clear division to maximize efficiency, though real-world scenarios like in restaurants indicate a need for flexibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Work divided into specific areas to prevent duplication of effort is called division of labor. This concept was introduced by Adam Smith, who advocated for dividing labor into discrete tasks to increase efficiency. In bureaucracies, this manifests as a clear division of labor where each individual has a specialized task, such as psychology professors teaching psychology but not handling financial aid forms. However, the division of labor can be questioned in scenarios such as a restaurant where a hostess may not assist with delivering food even when the kitchen is backed up, highlighting the importance of flexibility in certain situations.
Considering Adam Smith and his idea about division of labor, it is essential to balance specialization with the capability to adapt to situational demands, as seen in the restaurant example. While the hostess has a primary role to seat customers, in times of need, flexibility in role boundaries can potentially improve overall efficiency and customer satisfaction.