Final answer:
A hierarchy culture is characterized by control mechanisms for efficiency, an internal focus on operations, and a formalized, structured work environment, rather than risk-taking or customer prioritization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a hierarchy culture in an organization focus on control, internal processes, and a formal, structured work environment. Specifically, such a culture is typically characterized by:
- A variety of control mechanisms that measure efficiency, timeliness, and reliability.
- An internal focus to improve and maintain smooth internal operations.
- A formalized, structured work environment where explicit rules and procedures are designed to ensure consistent operations.
In contrast, encouraging risk-taking and giving priority to customers, which suggests an external focus on the market and competition, is not characteristic of a hierarchy culture but is more associated with an adhocracy culture.