Introduction:
Distinctions and similarities between bureaucratic and patron-client organizations include similarities and differences between the main models of organized crime. Knowing these similarities and differences is important for understanding organized crime
Comparisons in Organizational Structures:
In order to understand the relationship between these bureaucratic, patron – client and criminal organizational models it is first necessary to define and examine them individually. In some ways they are quite similar in that the ultimate power and responsibility is concentrated in the upper echelons. How that translates down through the organization varies. Additionally, most organizations contain elements of both structural designs.
Bureaucratic organizations
Most organizations contain elements of the top down bureaucratic form. Bureaucratic form is typified by the concentration of responsibility and power at the top of the organizational structure. The greater the more the power is concentrated at the top of the organization, the closer that organization is to the bureaucratic structure. . Bureaucratic organizational structure resembles a pyramid. They are multi-level organizations in which stress is placed upon administrative procedures, rules and policies. . The advantages to this type of structure is that it is easy to guide the organizational structure from the top, strategic decisions can be implemented quickly and directly from the upper management and a consistent work product can be maintained from the lower levels of workers.
Patron-client organizations
The patron client relationship in one in which another person benefits from a more powerful individuals “ authority, social status, wealth, or some other personal resource.” . The ancient Roman Social Structure had both patrons and clients; and the client of one patron could also be a patron to his own clients. When Romans of the same social status had a mutually beneficial relationship they generally used the term amicus, or friend as this word did not imply stratification. . The benefits of a patron – client structure is although the majority of the power still is concentrated at the top the lower levels can react immediately and independently to any shifting ground level changes.
Main models of organized crime
Bureaucratic structures are typified by almost total control centered upon the upper echelon of the organization so that an executive order can immediately command a response from any level on down. . Patron – client structures are less rigid, although multi-layer the influence is passed down more formally. Patrons have clients. On the next level down those clients are the patrons then they have clients of their own, and so on. . Most criminal organizations use a combination of the two. For the majority of the time the organization functions more on a patron – client model. Never the less, the rules and standards are developed by the upper echelon, some are inviolable and must be adhered to on all levels. Moreover, a direct command from the upper levels must be carried out; much as a direct command from Caesar would have been carried out in ancient Rome.
Conclusion:
Many of the public, private and criminal organizational structures find their early roots in the ancient Roman traditions. “Political structures based on such exchanges were first described by anthropologists studying Mediterranean societies,” . Because they have proven to be an effective form of governance they “ persist in organizations such as the Mafia; but patron-client politics exists in a wide variety of systems, spread across the globe.” . Additionally, there are times when bureaucratic systems, even in the public sector can come to resemble the patron – client model when the “political machines” are most engaged in governance. This was seen at the end of the 19th century in the Tammany Hall politics in New York City and in “Mayor Dailey’s Chicago.” (Oxford Companion to World Politics, 2013). By understanding the ancient roots of these structures and how they evolved into today’s political and commercial structures helps us to understand the criminal organizational models as well.
Bibliography
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