what is a bureaucracy in sociology
bureaucracy. (noun) â[A] formal organization characterized by a hierarchy of authority, a clear division of labor, explicit rules, and impersonality â (OpenStax College 2012).Example: The department of motor vehicles or city hall.Audio Pronunciation: (buÂ·reaucÂ·raÂ·cy).sage Notes: 1  Plural: bureaucracies. 2  Commonly, bureaucracy connotes hierarchical structures in a negative light due to the absence of individual freedom of initiative and the overuse of delegation. 3  A (noun) bureaucrat works in a (adjective) bureaucratic organization.