Which of the following statements best reflects Max Weber's view of bureaucratic organizations?

• A. Bureaucratic organizations rely primarily on emotional intelligence and informal communication.
• B. Bureaucratic organizations are characterized by a clear hierarchy, formal rules, and impersonal relationships.
• C. Bureaucratic organizations are most effective when authority is based on tradition and charisma.
• D. Bureaucratic organizations function best when decision-making is decentralized and flexible.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of bureaucracy as defined by Max Weber, a foundational sociologist who analyzed organizational structures.
2. Step 2: Recall that Weber described bureaucracies as organizations with a clear hierarchy, formal rules, and impersonal relationships to ensure efficiency and predictability.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Weber emphasized rational-legal authority, meaning authority is based on established laws and procedures rather than personal traits or emotions.
4. Step 4: Compare the given statements to Weber's definition, noting that emotional intelligence, informal communication, tradition, charisma, and decentralized decision-making do not align with his model.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement highlighting clear hierarchy, formal rules, and impersonal relationships best reflects Weber's view of bureaucratic organizations.