Introduction
Max Weber introduced the bureaucratic management where organizations are more structured, authoritative and rigid. The organizational theory stipulated out by Weber portrays a structure that is formal where rules, competencies, and legitimate authority constitute the characteristics of appropriate management. The idea to introduce bureaucracy was anchored on believe that the informal organization of employees and supervisors hindered business growth. The powers of the organization were misplaced by the presence of the initial organization structure since their employees were loyal to bosses and not organizations. The bureaucratic structure would change the perspective of employees to ensure they are loyal to the firm, and this would open up companies for growth and success. The presence of specialization would ensure that each employee undertook his mandate and this would accountability. The aims essay to analyze Kristin's case study in consideration to Weber's Organizational theory.
The Formal Elements of Weber’s Model of Bureaucracy
Weber’s bureaucratic model outline elements present in the bureaucracy management. Some of these elements are; Hierarchical authoritative structures, Task specialization, extensive rules, Operates on merit principles, and behave with impersonality. Hierarchical authority structure helps to understand the chain of command such that the higher in the command structure provide supervision to the lower staff. In the hierarchical structure, the decision is made by the upper management and passed down to be implemented by the lower managers in the structure. Task specialization is the practice of ensuring that the individuals who are qualified for a particular obligation are given the task. Individuals in a bureaucratic organization specialize in one area of operation.
Extensive rules are aimed to bring sanity in an organization since rules help in monitoring employees. Weber’s model provides the niche for the presence of management by rules and regulations. Operations on the basis of merit states that employees to be absorbed into the organization must be qualified to accomplish the particular task intended. Behave with impersonality is an element that advocate for accountability of every process undertaken in the organization. Accountability helps in better management of the organizations.
Kristin’s Case
The case study of Kristin introduces a negative perspective of the Weber's Organizational theory since the loopholes that existed in the justice system led to Kristin's death. The system provided an excellent avenue for Cartier to Kill Kristin since he managed to play the system against itself. Weber managed to provide a perspective that would ensure that the organization achieved its goals but failed to introduce the important concept of coordination. The model only provides for management of the operations of an organization but not the leadership of the whole system. Leadership entails the ability to understand the whole system and what each unit is implementing. The public bureaucracy is a hindrance to service to the public since none of the groups is coordinating to ensure the right decision is made. Each unit is aligned to achieve its objective or set obligation without involving the other.
In this case study, the police, probation office, judiciary and parole all were unable to work together hence the tragedy that befell Kristin. In the public institutions, it is essential to understand what the other arm within the institution is doing, and this is crucial since it would reduce duplication of work.
Is Weber’s Model Comprehensive?
Weber’s model is accurate since the theory provides a structure that helps the organization achieves its objectives. The only element that Weber did not include in the model is coordination between the systems that make up an organization. The coordination can be achieved through communication between the various departments of a firm. In an organization, there are different employees who have different obligations but these responsibilities cannot be achieved efficiently if the units are unable to work together. If a firm can implement all the elements of the model and ignore communication, efficiency will not be achieved.
In the case study, the death of Kristin could have been avoided if the police, parole, justice and probation office could have worked together. Bureaucracy should not only focus on ensuring that power is evenly distributed but the ability to use the power to help make the right decisions. The power present within the Weber’s model does not mean autonomy but the ability to ensure that each function and responsibility is undertake with efficiency it deserves. In Public Administration, like the case study of Kristin, the power that both arms have was not utilized efficiently which is the primary cause that led to Cartier killing, Kristin.
Conclusion
Public administration cannot be successful if there is no coordination. The public organizations have the obligations to ensure that the right information is provided to the right person for informed decision making. Despite the presence of bureaucratic policies, it is essential for any justice system to consider the safety of all in the society. Implementation of Weber’s Organization Model would be efficient if the element of coordination between units or departments is considered. Bureaucracy should not mean autonomy, but a means to provide efficient services to the public.
Reference
Stillman, R. (2009). Public Administration: Concepts and cases. Denver: Wadsworth Cengage Learning
