Bureaucracy is a research area within organizational theory and public administration that focuses on the structure, functions, and processes of large, complex organizations. Bureaucracies are characterized by hierarchical structures, formal rules and procedures, division of labor, and a focus on efficiency and rationality. Researchers in this area study topics such as decision-making processes, communication channels, role differentiation, and organizational culture within bureaucracies. The goal of studying bureaucracy is to understand how organizations function and how they can be designed and managed effectively to achieve their goals.