Introduction
Bureaucracy refers to an administrative system that has a hierarchical structure and whose functions have been separated. Additionally, a bureaucratic organization relies on certain rules and procedures, which are regularly revised to enhance efficiency. Many organizations both private and public such as governments and universities often rely on bureaucratic structures. Therefore, the essay will explore the characteristics of bureaucracies as well as its advantages and disadvantages with according to Max Weber.
List the Key Characteristics of Bureaucracy
The first characteristic is that of specialization where workers carry out tasks that require training and expertise (Bond & Kevin 90). Personnel who are trained are able to complete their jobs with a greater level of efficiency. Secondly, bureaucratic organizations usually have a hierarchical structure. This means that there are formal power levels, which act as regulators for every subsequent level. Actually, bureaucratic involves vertical ranking and they even take the structure of a pyramid with a few people at the top supervising the vast majority at the bottom. Thirdly, are the rules, which govern the activities of bureaucratic organizations thus, making them extremely predictable. The tall hierarchical structure in most of the organizations makes it necessary for them to have so many rules and regulations that will ensure that the structure of power is in control.
The fourth feature is that of qualification or technical competence. In this case, bureaucracy favors high employment standards. According to Bond and Kevin (92) people are employed based on their qualifications and not because of the existence of relationships and connections. Thereafter, the job performance of those who are hired is monitored to evaluate their progress. The fifth characteristic is that of impersonality, which relates to the manner in which clients, employees, and members are treated in a bureaucracy. Impersonality ensures that there are uniform policies and equal treatment for all the relevant stakeholders (Bond & Kevin 95). This is vital for every organization's success organization. Finally, formal communications that are done through writing are effected in this kind of organization. Documents like reports and memos are used to enhance formal communication rather than the use of verbal communication.
What is it about bureaucracy that Max Weber saw as positive?
Max Weber is of the view that bureaucracy ensures that there are standardized procedures that promote efficiency in the business. This is especially because personnel know what is expected of them and hence they are able to carry out their work effectively. Secondly, the specialization of workers contributes to quality service delivery, which makes it easier for an organization to achieve its goals such as increased profitability. Finally, the other advantage that bureaucratic organizations enjoy is to the clear chain of command that comes with the hierarchical system. Cases of confusion will not exist given that the person each employee is supposed to report to because the “unity of command” removes ambiguity (Lunenberg & Allan 76).
What did he see as negative?
Weber felt that bureaucracy is disadvantageous because it dehumanizes human beings. In as much as an element of impersonality enhanced efficiency, it served as a hindrance to giving customers and clients a personal touch (Lunenberg & Allan 80). Every client is likely to have their unique personal needs and thus customers can feel alienated when they are all treated in a standard manner. As such, when clients have problems that require immediate attention they cannot be assisted with the urgency. The other negative aspect of bureaucracy is that it inefficient to a certain extent and that it promotes ritualism. Bureaucracy brings about ritualism in the sense that organizations put so much focus on their rules and regulations thereby compromising their ability to attain the set goals.
Additionally, the issue of bureaucratic inertia is a demerit because such organizations are bent on ensuring perpetuity even after the company’s intended goal has been achieved. Finally, the problem of oligarchy is prevalent in organizations with bureaucratic structures. In this regard, democracy is threatened because most of the power is centralized at the top (Lunenberg & Allan 82). Even worse is that officials often misuse this power to cater for their own interests given that they are able to access resources, information and the media which they use to their advantage. This has made it difficult for both political and corporate leaders to be accountable to the people.
Conclusion
Bureaucratic organizations are characterized with a hierarchical structure, technical competence, formal communications, rules, and specialization of workers. As such, organizations, can enjoy benefits like quality service delivery and efficiency because of the existence of standardized procedures. However, it also comes with disadvantages like dehumanizing human beings and killing democracy within organizations. Therefore, bureaucratic organizations should make an effort to deal with the disadvantages that may hinder them from achieving their goals.
Works Cited
Bond, Jon R, and Kevin B. Smith. The Promise and Performance of American Democracy. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.
Lunenburg, Frederick C, and Allan C. Ornstein. Educational Administration: Concepts and Practices. , 2012. Print.
