Final answer:
The lines of authority and the framework for organizational operation are defined by the organizational structure, which is crucial for efficient functioning and clear role definition within a bureaucracy. The correct option is b. organizational structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definition of the lines of authority and responsibility and the overall framework for planning, directing, and controlling is laid out by the organizational structure. This structure delineates the hierarchy of authority, establishes reporting structures, and clarifies the chain of command within an organization. An example of such a hierarchy is seen in a retail company like Walmart, where a shift manager assigns tasks to employees, reports to the store manager, who then reports to the regional manager, and so forth, all the way up to the CEO and the board members. This chain of command is crucial for any bureaucracy, whether in a private or public sector, to function efficiently and to ensure that each employee has a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and to whom they must answer.
The correct option is b. organizational structure.