Which of the following statements is true regarding a bureaucracy?

A) Bureaucracies are characterized by a low degree of formalization.
B) Bureaucracy is an ideal organizational design for those organizations that operate under highly uncertain conditions.
C) Typically, bureaucracies have wider spans of control.
D) Bureaucracies can get by with less talented middle- and lower-level managers.
E) Bureaucracies encourage employee empowerment.

D
Explanation: D) Bureaucracies can get by with less talented—and, hence, less costly—middle- and lower-level managers. Rules and regulations substitute for managerial discretion. Standardized operations and high formalization allow decision making to be centralized. There is little need for innovative and experienced decision makers below the level of senior executives.