Bureaucratic structures should have patterns of activity that are clearly defined to ensure that every series of action relates to the organization’s purpose. Over the years, bureaucratic structures face a number of challenges which end up becoming major conflicts. If not carefully handled, such conflicts are moist likely to lead to poor working relationships, negatively affecting the productivity of the members. By their nature, criminal justice organizations are bureaucracies. This means that they too face similar conflict which should be abolished for better performance.
The first conflict the criminal justice organizations may face stems from their rigidity (Irby, 2013). Unlike other organizations, organizations with a bureaucratic structure tend to have strict guidelines which must be followed. Such guidelines at times prove to be difficult to follow, giving the members difficult times in implementing them. When this is the case, conflicts will arise between the organization’s members, affecting the organization negatively.
The hierarchical structure of the bureaucratic organizations also means that it is difficult to alter protocol (Merton, 1999). This is the case with criminal justice organizations. The junior members find it difficult associating with the top management, hence creating a barrier between the two groups. It is always difficult for the junior members to ascend to power as those who have already established themselves tend to cling to it. This brings about conflicts in organizations where bureaucracy is practiced.
There are several leadership strategies that can be employed to overcome these challenges. Leaders, for instance, should create an efficient and effective operations system within the organization. By doing this, the roles of each member will be clearly defined to avoid overlapping. Communication between the juniors and the seniors will also be improved, ensuring better results are achieved.
References
Irby, B. (2013). The handbook of educational theories. Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Pub.
Merton, R. (1998). Robert K. Merton & contemporary sociology. New Brunswick, N.J.: Transaction.
