The Structure of Formal Organizations Chapter 3 Section 5
Formal Organizations Formal Organizations: large, complex secondary groups that have been established to achieve specific goals (ex. Schools, governments, religious organizations, labor unions, etc.) Bureaucracy: a ranked authority structure that operates according to specific rules and procedures Rationality: involves subjecting every feature of human behavior to calculation, measurement, and control
Weber’s Model of Bureaucracies All bureaucracies have the same 5 features: (IDEAL TYPE) Division of labor Ranking of authority Employment based on formal qualifications Written rules and regulations Specific lines of promotion and advancement
Problems in Bureaucracies Weber suggested bureaucracies create order by clearly defining job tasks and rewards However, many times bureaucracies abandon their original goal in favor of another Many bureaucracies often focus on self-continuation instead of effectiveness or purpose
Homework Pg. 79 #1-6