Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations Chapter 7

Formal Organizations Secondary groups designed to achieve specific objectives (a central feature of society) – 3 kinds Voluntary – those we choose to join based on interest Coercive – join against our will (forced to join) – example is prison Utilitarian – join because it is essential to our existence (farm org. or labor union) Early examples were the army and guilds As groups increase in size they form bureaucracies

Bureaucracies Weber’s characteristics of a bureaucracy (ideal type) Clear-cut levels (hierarchy of authority) assignments flow downward and accountability flows upward Division of labor (positions based on competence Written rules (supported and emphasized) Written communications and records Impersonality – where all are treated the same (replaceability)

Bureaucratic Dysfunctions Red Tape – Bound by too many procedures that impede the efficiency and purpose Lack of communication between units Bureaucratic alienation Peter Principal Trained incapacity – established rules applied mechanically Parkinson’s Law – work expands to fill time available for completion Oligarchy – rule by a few

Goal Displacement Goal displacement is when an organization adopts new goals after the original goals have been achieved or no longer apply Ex. March of Dimes – originally organized to fight polio, now focus is on birth defects new slogan is ”breakthroughs for babies” Leads to perpetual existence

Voluntary Associations Formed by task oriented groups Civic – Boy Scouts Religious – Catholic Church Political – Action committees Some are temporary and work for a particular cause Some more permanent and form bureaucracies Members share particular interest High turnover rate with an inner core of individuals supporting associations goals

Functions of Voluntary Associations Advancing particular interests represented Offering identity and sense of purpose Helping nation in its governing role Mediating between the government and individual Provide training in organizational skills Help bring people into political mainstream Pave the way for social change

Iron Law of Oligarchy Robert Michaels coined the term Tendency of formal organizations to be dominated by a small elite group People are excluded from leadership positions if they differ on values / background If oligarchy becomes overly unresponsive to member needs, and views - it risks inviting a rebellion that can throw it out of office