3 features of bureaucracy. Bureaucracy 2019-01-14

Weber’s Bureaucracy Theory: Features, Significance and Limitations

There is neglect of human factor. An official elected by the governed is not a purely bureaucratic figure. There is constant inflow and outflow of information to the environment. Max Weber believed that Bureaucracy was a better than traditional structures. Rationality leads to efficiency of operations. That means taxpayers have an extra burden in governmental structures, while customers pay higher costs in commercial and industrial structures.

Characteristics of an ideal bureaucracy (video)

This ensures these non-elective members know what they are doing and will be able to maximize their knowledge and apply their skills. For the promotion of the country's trade a number ofNavigation laws were passed to ensure that the country's traderemained in the hands of the native shippers. They held that the strength andrichness of a country depends on two things-the possession of goldand silver mines and favourable balance of trade. This means a bureaucracy continues to function only because there are competent employees trying to achieve positions with more power. But the fact still remains, bureaucracy exists and is here to stay. By following the rules, bureaucrats waste no time in making appropriate decisions. A bureaucratic organisation, thus, works against the basic nature of human beings.

Bureaucracy (Max Weber)

Educated in law, history, philosophy and economics, he became one of the founders of the modern science of sociology — the study of society and its institutions. The right division of labour within a bureaucratic organisation also allows employees to specialise themselves further, so that they may become experts in their own field and significantly improve their performance. Furthermore, he saw it as the key process in the ongoing of. By dividing work on the basis of specialisation, the organisation directly benefits. It hampers human creativity and innovativeness as there is impersonal approach in dealing with people. Each lower unit is controlled by the higher unit and, thus, control is facilitated throughout the organisation.

Weber’s Bureaucracy Theory: Features, Significance and Limitations

For example you are not combining the contingency theory with bureaucracy which is essential as bureaucratic forms of management differ accordingly to the existing organizational situation and its currently relationship with its external and internal environment. Going beyond your responsibilities and taking on tasks of colleagues is not permitted within a bureaucracy. Whereas the stereotype of bureaucracies is one of suppressed creativity and extinguished imagination, this is not the case. People want to work in open and interactive environment and use their innovative abilities at the work place but organisation over emphasises rules and regulations. Bureaucracy Advantages and Disadvantages Every form of government has certain pros and cons. This is also known as the bureaucratic theory of management, bureaucratic management theory or the Max Weber theory.

Features of Bureaucracy

Simply put, it is a government body that is composed of non-politicians but who are appointed to help in policy-making and be in charge of administrative tasks in government agencies. It is therefore very important that bureaucratic organisations properly inform employees well in advance about their approach to work and requires them to accept this. People who work within a bureaucracy often have a higher level of education than the general public, have more self-direction, are more open-minded, and embrace their creativity in ways that promote the general good compared to those who are not bureaucrats. This helps in the deployment of the right people in the right positions and thereby optimally utilising human capital. Entrance into an office is considered an acceptance of a specific obligation of faithful management in return for a secure existence. They also have a practical application in business and administrative studies.

Characteristics of Bureaucracy

He believed bureaucracy was the most efficient way to set up an organisation, administration and organizations. The issue of time is the primary disadvantage of a bureaucracy. Career orientation Employees of a bureaucratic organisation are selected on the basis of their expertise. In this way, the employee repeat­edly performs certain job and becomes efficient at it. What is a bureaucratic organization? The superintendent of a large urban school district is a bureaucrat, as are the teachers, librarians, nurses, and security guards.

Weber’s Bureaucracy Theory: Features, Significance and Limitations

They can help to maintain equal treatment of all employees, and they can give a sense of unity or continuity to an organization, because even if individual members come and go, the laws and structure of the organization can remain the same. Also, it does not allow for individual development as workers are expected to follow the established routine. Main Features: To create Sims or one Sim and Control every aspect of their life. In most of these cases, either the conditions are not found in practice, or even if found, may not result in efficiency. This may not bring the desired level of efficiency. There must be incentives built into the bureaucracy to reward a worker that can complete a task in 2 hours with the same quality it takes someone to complete the task in the expected 8 hours. This ought to be encouraged, for upon it hangs thegreat revenue of the king, the honour of the kingdom, the nobleprofession of the merchant, the school of our arts, the supply ofour poor, the improvement of our lands, the nursery of ourmariners, the walls of the kingdom, the means of our treasures, thesinews of our wars and the terror of our enemies.

Six Characteristics of Bureaucracy

They bring to mind long, difficult forms; standing in long lines; and encounters with inflexible and unsympathetic clerks. If a worker abides by the rules and regulations that govern their position, then they are awarded with specific benefits and a steady salary that allows them to live the lifestyle they want. The problem with this is that additional rules and laws can be added at virtually any time, complicating the workloads that people must endure. However, bureaucratic organisations do not allow this flexibility. However, there are also those who see this as a rational and relevant way to run some government agencies. Within a bureaucracy, it is easier to adapt to small changes within a similar landscape, especially when the overall mission is similar. Rules maintain uniformity and coordination amongst actions of organisational members.

Characteristics of an ideal bureaucracy (video)

This way, management will be able to monitor the performance of the people in lower ranks. Later 'bureau' began to be used for the office room where table is kept. The commands or orders of superiors have to be followed by sub­ordinates. . Benefits of Bureaucracy : The following are the advantages of Bureaucracy: 1.