Bureaucracy

n A neutral descriptive term

n Describes a type of organizational structure

n NOT limited to just government

n Compared to other forms of organization and structure, a very efficient format

n Max Weber’s ideal form of an organization

Bureaucracy

n An organization characterized by:

n  An internal division of labor

n  Specialization of work performed

n A vertical hierarchy or chain of command

n Well designed routines for carrying out operating tasks

n  Reliance on precedents in resolving problems and a clear set of rules

The Classic Bureaucratic Shape:

Max Weber   Renaissance Man

n German social scientist 1864-1920

n Translated to English in 1940's

n Believed in “progressive demystification”

n Three types of authority

n Traditional

n Charismatic

n Legal – rational:  power vested in the office; obedience to rules

History

n Bureaucracy is not a new development

n Western:  Middle ages as royal domains grow

n Eastern: Chinese civil service (with exam!) 1200 BC

n Europe borrowed from church and military models

Development of Bureaucracy

n Society develops communal needs: roads, schools, defense etc.

n Stable system of revenue.

n Society becomes increasingly educated.

n The development of higher religions.

n Growth of science and rationality.

Max Weber             "Bureaucracy"

n Characteristics of bureaucracy

n Division of labor

n Hierarchical structure

n Impersonal rules

n Paper intensive

n Professional training for specialized positions

n Full time, primary activity

The Bureaucrat

n The bureaucrat

n Full time vocation

n Specialized training

n Social esteem

n Specific qualifications

n Tenured

n Salaried

n Career ladder

Results of a Well Organized Bureaucracy:

n Continuity

n  Speed

n  Rationality

n  Predictability

n Calculability of results

n  Lack of ambiguity

Advantages of Bureaucracy

n Learnable rules

n Without regard to person

n Security of office

n Technical superiority of bureaucracy (a well oiled machine)

n The permanent characteristic of bureaucracy and the benefit of easy transition

What Do You Get?

n Feudal:

n Personal sympathy

n Favor

n Grace

n Gratitude

n Position in society

n Connections

n Bureaucratic:

n Rational

n Rule based

n Impersonal

n Know-able

n Predictable

n Scientific

n Administration by experts

Ideal Form of Organization:

n Continuity

n Predictability

n Rational/Scientific

n Efficient!

n Provides for a “peaceful, orderly transfer of power” (Bismarck)

Theory Vs. Reality

Theory Vs. Reality

Practical Implications:

n Communicate well

n Learn the rules

n Know the structure of your agency

n Where do you want to be?

n Continue to learn

n Cross train to be able to “jump pyramids”

n Does your agency break the model?

Critiques of Weber

n Doesn't represent reality

n Under-represents the informal side

n Ignores the downside

n Too scientific

n Best applies to 19th century Germany