Final answer:
A linking role within an organization is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of two or more groups. In bureaucracies, coercion to join is not a characteristic; rather, they have a hierarchy of authority, explicit rules, and division of labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The position or unit within an organization that is charged with overseeing and coordinating the activities of two or more groups is known as a linking role. This role acts as a bridge between different departments or teams, facilitating communication and ensuring that the efforts of the various units are aligned with the organization's objectives. It mitigates the transaction costs associated with group decision-making by reducing the need for information and resource exchange between groups and instead funnels coordination through a central point.
To address the follow-up question, within the context of bureaucracies, coercion to join is not a characteristic of bureaucracies. Bureaucracies typically have a clear hierarchy of authority, explicit rules, and a division of labor. Coercion to join would not typically be associated with the structured and systematic processes of a bureaucracy.