Final answer:
A top-down structure and rigid rules are characteristic of a bureaucratic organization, which has a clear hierarchy and division of labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a top-down structure and rigid rules refer to a bureaucratic organization. According to the pioneer sociologist Max Weber, bureaucracies are formal organizations that exhibit a collection of features including a hierarchy of authority, a clear division of labor, explicit rules, and impersonality. These organizations are often criticized for being slow, rule-bound, and difficult to navigate. In contrast to bureaucracies, many modern organizations are moving toward flatter structures with an emphasis on teamwork and more direct communication paths between different levels of the organization.