1. Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Chapter 7

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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