Final answer:
The characteristic that is not a feature of bureaucracies is 'Coercion to join.' Bureaucracies feature a hierarchy of authority, explicit rules, and division of labor, but joining is usually voluntary.
Step-by-step explanation:
When referring to characteristics of bureaucracies, the option that is not a characteristic of bureaucracies is a) Coercion to join. Bureaucracies are often characterized by a hierarchy of authority, explicit rules, and a division of labor. These features enable organizations to operate efficiently and provide consistent results. Coercion to join, however, is not a standard aspect of bureaucratic organization, as involvement in a bureaucracy is typically a matter of employment or choice within a given structure, such as a business or government agency.