Final answer:
The main characteristics of a bureaucracy are division of labor and specialization for efficiency, a hierarchy of authority for clear command, and formal rules and procedures for consistency. Coercion to join is mistakenly not one of them. All of the given choices are correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three main characteristics of a bureaucracy are important as they provide a structured method of organizing people to work together effectively on complex tasks. These characteristics are: a. Division of labor and specialization, b. Hierarchy of authority, and c. Formal rules and procedures.
- Division of Labor and Specialization
This characteristic encourages efficiency by assigning specific tasks to workers or groups based on their expertise, ensuring that each task is handled by someone competent.
A clear and established chain of command is critical for delineating responsibilities, facilitating decision-making, and maintaining order within the organization.
- Formal Rules and Procedures
These are established guidelines that govern actions within the bureaucracy, ensuring consistency and fairness in operations, and clear expectations for employees.
Notably, coercion to join is not a characteristic of bureaucracies, as participation within these structures is typically voluntary or part of contracted employment.
Hence, all options are correct.