Characteristics of bureaucracy

Bureaucracy in business is type of bureaucratic organization. The term came into use in the 18th century in France. In sociology, the term bureaucracy refers to the particular form of organization of human activities. A characteristic feature of the bureaucracy is to replace the authority of tradition by structured rules.

Features and characteristics of bureaucracy and bureaucratic organization

It is a specific type of organization. An extensive definition of the bureaucracy was formulated by the German sociologist Max Weber (1947). Weber was concerned with the issue of power. He identified three models of bureaucracy: legal-rational (classic), charismatic and traditional. The organization is more effective if it is closer to the model of an ideal bureaucracy.

It should be noted that, in contrast to today's meaning of the Weber's bureaucracy was an alternative to the widespread nepotism and abuse of power. To solve this problem, there is need for workers with average capacity of rational people who impartially and efficiently serve their customers. An important feature of the ideal bureaucracy is rationality, which stems from design of functions and processes.

Characteristics of ideal bureaucracy according to Weber

• systematically established laws giving as a result full impersonality
• maximum specialization
• hierarchical structure of posts and units
• recruitment of candidates is carried out on the basis of skills and knowledge, usually by the appointment
• impersonal administration
• clear division of labour
• rationality of actions
• meritocracy - career dependent on achievements
• communication by written means

Sources of bureaucracy in business

Characteristics of bureaucracy implicate main sources and activities connected with it:

• external to the organization, associated with such manifestations of social life as religion, military, law, education, etc.,
• internal, associated with such processes as organizing, planning, financing, etc.,
• related to the size of organization,
• related to the personality of the managers,
• nature of cultural norms in the society,
• school system,
• politics,
• others.

Characteristics of bureaucracy dysfunctions

The following are dysfunctions of bureaucracy:

• routine and the lack of flexibility of staff
• difficulty with response to unusual situations
• supporting inefficient structures without change
• means becomes objectives
• dehumanization of relationships, the gap between officials and stakeholders
• abuse of power by an official
• rigid structure, the problem with the implementation of innovation in response to changes
• formation of informal cliques
• Parkinson's law - the performance of the tasks as late as possible
• Peter principle - rise to the level of lack of competence on specific post
• learned incompetence
• bureaucratic vicious circle

See also:

• Adhocracy
• Formalization
• Unorganization

Example effects of bureaucracy

1. Division of Labor: Bureaucracies are characterized by a clear definition of roles and responsibilities. Each individual is assigned a specific task and is held accountable for its successful completion. This allows for the efficient management of large-scale tasks and the coordination of multiple processes.
2. Hierarchy: Every bureaucracy is structured in a hierarchical manner, with each level of the organization having clearly defined authority over the ones below it. This allows for a clear chain of command and the efficient delegation of work.
3. Rules and Regulations: Bureaucracies are known for having extensive rules and regulations to ensure that the organization operates in a standard and consistent manner. This helps to ensure that everyone is held accountable for their actions, and that all processes are conducted in the same manner.
4. Standardization of Processes: Bureaucracies strive to standardize the processes by which tasks are completed. This allows for uniformity in the execution of tasks, and can help to improve efficiency.
5. Professionalism: Bureaucracies emphasize professionalism, meaning that all members of the organization must behave in a professional manner. This includes dressing appropriately, being courteous and respectful to colleagues, and following all rules and regulations.

Advantages of bureaucracy

Bureaucracy is an organizational system that is characterized by a hierarchical structure, a clear division of labor, and rules and regulations that are designed to promote efficiency. It has many advantages, including:

• Clear hierarchy: A bureaucratic organization is characterized by a clear hierarchy of authority, with each level having a clearly defined role and responsibility. This allows for a well-defined chain of command and efficient decision-making.
• Division of labor: Bureaucracy also allows for a clear division of labor, with each person or team responsible for specific tasks. This helps to ensure that tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Rules and regulations: Bureaucracy also provides a set of rules and regulations that govern the organization and its employees. This helps to ensure that all employees are held to the same standard and that their actions are in line with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Efficiency: Finally, bureaucracy is designed to promote efficiency. By ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals, bureaucracy helps to ensure that tasks are completed quickly and efficiently.

Limitations of bureaucracy

Bureaucracy in businesses has its own set of characteristics, however, these characteristics can also be seen as its limitations. The following are some of the limitations of characteristics of bureaucracy:

• Bureaucracy is often viewed as time-consuming and inefficient. Bureaucratic processes can be lengthy and involve multiple steps, often resulting in delays. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure and top-down communication can cause decision-making to be slow and inefficient.
• Bureaucracy can also be rigid and inflexible. Rules and regulations are often strictly enforced, which can limit creativity and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.
• Bureaucracy can also lead to a lack of accountability. With multiple layers of bureaucracy and multiple people involved in decision-making, it can be difficult to assign responsibility for mistakes or bad decisions.
• Finally, bureaucracy can lead to a lack of motivation among employees. The hierarchical structure and top-down communication can lead to employees feeling powerless and uninvolved in the decision-making process. This can lead to decreased motivation and a lack of commitment to the organization.

Other approaches related to bureaucracy

Bureaucracy in business is type of bureaucratic organization, which came into use in the 18th century in France. In sociology, the term bureaucracy refers to the particular form of organization of human activities.

Other approaches related to bureaucracy in business are:

• Hierarchical Structures - Bureaucratic organizations are characterized by a formal hierarchy of authority and decision-making, where power is concentrated at the top.
• Division of Labor - Bureaucratic organizations are characterized by an emphasis on specialization and division of labor. Each individual in the organization has a specific role and is responsible for specific tasks.
• Rules and Regulations - Bureaucratic organizations are characterized by rules and regulations that must be followed by all members of the organization.
• Centralization - Bureaucratic organizations are also characterized by centralization, where decisions are made at the central level and then cascaded down the hierarchy.
• Formalization - Bureaucratic organizations are also characterized by formalization, where there is a standardization of procedures and processes.

In summary, bureaucracy in business is a type of organizational structure characterized by a formal hierarchy of authority and decision-making, division of labor, rules and regulations, centralization, and formalization.

Characteristics of bureaucracy — recommended articles

Bureaucratization — Hierarchy — Bureaucratic organization — Linear structure — Hierarchical dependence — Bureaucratic leadership — Organizational dependence — Importance of teamwork — Principles and features of organizational structure

References

• Weber, M. (1946). Bureaucracy. From Max Weber: essays in sociology, 196-244.
• Blau, P. M. (1956). Bureaucracy in modern society.
• Downs, A., & Rand Corporation. (1967). Inside bureaucracy (p. 264). Boston: Little, Brown.
• Thompson, V. A. (1965). Bureaucracy and innovation. Administrative science quarterly, 1-20.