What is a key characteristic of bureaucracy as defined in sociology?

A key characteristic of bureaucracy, as defined in sociology, is its structured hierarchy. This means that there are clear levels of authority, with each level having specific roles and responsibilities. For example, in a school, the principal is at the top of the hierarchy, followed by teachers, and then students. This structure helps organizations run smoothly because everyone knows who is in charge and what their job is. Additionally, bureaucracies rely on rules and procedures to ensure consistency and fairness in how decisions are made.