Definition of a bureaucracy
Bureaucracies have emerged in the modern world and can be found in private and public sectors of administration. They can be defined systems of leadership or government that are concerned with rules as well as order (Peters, 1995). Large numbers of people brought together by work or their jobs and, are, therefore, expected to be ruled in a certain manner that ensures an organization runs smoothly (Naidu, 2005). Thus, a bureaucracy helps in ensuring that a big number of people work together and that they are compatible with each other as their roles interplay with each other within a given hierarchy.
Characteristics of a Bureaucracy
1. Written rights and responsibilities
2. Hierarchical order of authority
3. Formal appointment, promotion and dismissal of persons
According to Max Weber, an ideal bureaucracy is an administrative structure constructed through rational- legal authority (Anther, 2014). Leaders are expected to exercise control over their subordinates and discipline reigns paramount.
Components of the “Ideal Type” Bureaucracy
1. Hierarchy of authority- positions within an organization are organized into a hierarchical system and some people are deemed to possess more power than others (Anther, 2014).
2. Impersonality- Relations within the organization are governed by an official system of authority and rules need to be followed. Members should desist from emotional and personal involvement with their official positions.
3. Written rules of conduct- There are written rules and regulations that all members of the organization are expected to follow.
4. Promotion based on achievement- Any deserving employee who has shown exemplary work and achievement deserves a promotion.
5. A specialized division of work- Work is divided among members and everyone is expected to adhere to their sphere of competence.
6. Efficiency- Employees are expected to use best means that bring best results.
7. Rationality- rational thought patterns that are used to explain the cause of events.
8. Administrative Class- These are the people responsible for the smooth running and maintenance of an organization.
9. Official record- Proper official records should be kept at all times. Any activities of the organization should be recorded and preserved formally.
10. Political neutrality- No one should show strong allegiance to particular political views because that may jeopardize their involvement with their work and fellow employees.
Schools are often structured in a bureaucratic way because they embody a hierarchical arrangement that is standardized and has people with specialized skills working together for its smooth running (Spring, 2001). There are rules that govern the smooth management of a school and everyone including the administration, teachers, students as well as subordinate staffs are expected to keep these rules (Spring, 2001). The principal is the chief executive officer and the deputy principal, members of staff, school captains and students are supposed to play their defined roles for the smooth running of a school.
Weber’s ‘ideal type' bureaucracy is not so different from a school bureaucracy because there is so much they share in common. But here are differences too that can be seen through the way in which employees work towards receiving a promotion. At all times, there can only be one principal. It is not obvious that the principal was once a member of the staff of schools they head (Spring, 2001). So on the part of promotion, the school system is disadvantaged because the only promotion that is practical is achievable through members of staff being given more tasks but that does not reflect on their credentials.
References
Anther, A. (2014). Max Weber’s Theory of the Modern State: Origins, Structure and Significance. New York: Springer.
Naidu, S. P. (2005). Public Administration: Concepts and Theories. New Delhi: New Age International.
Peters, G. P. (1995). The Politics of Bureaucracy. London: Longman
Spring, J. H. (2001). The American School: 1642- 2000. 5/e. New York: McGraw Hill.
