According to the characteristics of bureaucracy, what is meant by "impersonality in record keeping"?

The correct choice highlights that "impersonality in record keeping" means that records are maintained without bias and personal influence. This characteristic of bureaucracy underscores the commitment to objectivity and standardized procedures in the management of information. In bureaucratic systems, such as government agencies or large organizations, ensuring that records are documented based solely on factual information rather than personal opinions or emotional involvement promotes fairness and consistency. This impersonality is crucial for effective administration and decision-making, as it aids in maintaining a clear and impartial historical record.

The other options present ideas that do not align with the concept of bureaucracy. For example, personal and emotional record-keeping would compromise the objectivity essential in bureaucratic practices. Keeping records exclusively in a digital format is more a matter of technological choice than a defining feature of bureaucracy itself. Similarly, encouraging employees to share personal details would contradict the principle of maintaining neutrality and professionalism in record-keeping. Thus, the emphasis on unbiased and impersonal documentation is key to understanding how bureaucracy functions effectively.