________________________ is the key concept underlying all bureaucracies.A.DelegationB.Standardization C.Span of controlD.Formalization

The key concept underlying all bureaucracies is D. Formalization.

Formalization refers to the extent to which rules, procedures, and policies are documented and standardized within an organization. In bureaucracies, formalization is crucial because it ensures consistency and predictability in decision-making and behavior among employees. This structured approach enables organizations to achieve efficiency and reliability in their operations.

In contrast, while delegation, standardization, and span of control are important aspects of organizational structure, they do not encompass the comprehensive nature of bureaucratic operations as formalization does. Formalization serves as the backbone that supports and regulates all other elements in a bureaucratic system.