Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Bureaucracies are formal organizations characterized by a hierarchical structure, a clear set of rules and procedures, and a division of labor. They are designed to operate efficiently by systematically coordinating the efforts of many individuals.
Related terms
Hierarchical structure: An organizational framework where entities are ranked one above the other according to authority or status.
Division of labor: The assignment of different parts of a manufacturing process or task to different people in order to improve efficiency.
Formal organization: A large secondary group organized to achieve its goals efficiently, typically governed by clearly defined rules and regulations