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Max Weber and the Theory of Bureaucracy The term bureaucracy was coined by German sociologist Max Weber. Bureaucracy refers to complex organizations assigned to perform specific tasks. For Weber, bureaucracy was an ‘ideal type’ or rule based on a system of rational rules, as opposed to either tradition or charisma. 2

Features of Bureaucratic Organizations According to Max Weber, bureaucratic organizations exhibit the following features: Extensive and binding system of rules. Precedents are followed; procedures are standardized, inter- departmental relations are stable and continuous. Application of the managerial division of labour, specialization of functions, precise definition of authority and responsibility structure. Hierarchical patterns of administration with unity of command. 3

Features of Bureaucratic Organizations (cont’d) Complete separation of policy making from administration. Decisions are based on expert technical advice; control of staff is purely impersonal. Rules and decisions are always recorded in writing. Bureaucracy is common in large organizations, and is not necessarily a bad thing, even though it is sometimes used in a pejorative terms. It largely encourages rational approaches to management. 4

Features of Bureaucratic Organizations (cont’d The central feature of bureaucracy from Weber’s perspective is its rationality, because it reflects the advance of reliable, predictable and efficient means of social organization. 5

The expansion of bureaucracy The expansion of bureaucracy is irreversible. Bureaucracy has developed as a result of significant economic, political and cultural developments. Bureaucratization is also linked to the emergence of capitalist economies-greater pressure for economic efficiency and the emergence of large-scale business units. 6

The expansion of bureaucracy (cont’d) The development of modern state, the extension of its responsibilities. Bureaucratization is also stimulated by the pressure of democratization, which weakens ideas such as tradition, privilege and duty, and replace them with belief in open competition and meritocracy. 7

Advantages of Bureaucracy It is the most efficient form of organization, It was logical, It was self-perpetuating, It could resist external pressures of change, It prevents the exercise of discretion, It promotes precision and speed in administration, It promotes knowledge of the files, It emphasizes office and functions and not personalities. 8

Disadvantages of bureaucracy Slow decision making, It promotes dictatorship of officials, Excessive long chain of command, Discouragement of individual initiatives, Possible failure to identify and remove incompetent individuals, Unthinking compliance with rules and procedures, become ends in themselves and detract from the achievement of organizational goals, 9

Disadvantages of bureaucracy (cont’d) The possibility that people at the bottom end of an organization may be more rational and better able to take decisions than those at the top. Hence, many activities may in practice originate at the base of the organization and effectively subvert decisions taken at higher levels of authority. Strict adherent to bureaucratic principles ushers people into a regime of robots. The more people follows rules, the more dehumanizing it becomes- it makes administrators callous. It stifles initiative. It makes administrators callous by becoming rule utilitarians. 10

Theoretical criticisms of the Weberian Approach to Bureaucracy Weber’s general approach to bureaucracy has been criticized at the theoretical level on the following grounds: It ignores the roles of and influences of informal groups within the organization. It does not explain the reasons for the existence of organization. 11

Theoretical criticisms of the Weberian Approach to Bureaucracy (cont’d) It implies that centralized organization is superior to decentralized organizational forms, which is not necessarily the case. It has little to say about the influence of unofficial leaders Weber offered no theory of how a bureaucracy would respond to external pressures for change. 12

Social implications of bureaucracy Working in a bureaucracy has the following implications for employees: Work involves serving the organization faithfully in return for security and long-term career. The organization becomes the basis for the employees’ entire way of life. Workers’ self-identities depend on their roles in the organization- it sometimes leads occupational psychosis. To the extent that an individual’s career is crucial to his or her welfare, work and service to the organization becomes a central life interest. 13