Bureaucracy

Question 1

Who recognised bureaucracy?

Answer 1

German sociologist Max weber

Question 2

What is it?

Answer 2

• An organisations model thats been used internationally
• A large scale organisation composed of a hierarchy. In these offices,people have a certain responsibilities and must act in accord with the rules and written regulations

Question 3

what is bureaucracy according to weber?

Answer 3

• A particular structure that was divided, co ordinated and controlled
• Emphasises speed,precision, efficiency seen due to the division of task,regulations, monitoring nd procedures

Question 4

What were the three types of authority distinguished by Weber?

Answer 4

• Traditional Authority
• Charismatic authority
• Legitimate authority

Question 5

What is involved in a traditional authority?

Answer 5

• The belief that the ruler has the natural right to rule

- This right was either god-given or by descent egg kings

Question 6

What is involved in a Charismatic Leader?

Answer 6

-The belief that the ruler has some special, unique skills e.g film stars

Question 7

What is Ritzers definition of bureaucracy?

Answer 7

A bureaucracy is a large scale organisation composed of a hierarchy of offices. In these offices, people have certain responsibilities and must act in accord with the rules, written regulations and means of compulsion exercised by those who occupy higher level positions

Question 8

What is involved with legitimate authority?

Answer 8

Based on formal written rules that have the force of law e.g the law
- Carries the position of power and has predominated

Question 9

Which authority does weber see as the most efficient?

Answer 9

• Legitimate authority

Question 10

What are the positive and negatives of job specialisation in a bureaucracy?

Answer 10

• Positives are that it produces a efficient,repetiive working environment
• Negatives are the it inhibits job rotation
• Disenchantment

Question 11

What are the positive and negatives of Authority hierarchy in a bureaucracy?

Answer 11

P = Know who is in charge and who to go to
N= Prevents employees contributing to decisions and allows errors to be hidden

Question 12

What are the positive and negatives of formal selection in a bureaucracy?

Answer 12

P = Most appropriate person is appointed to the position 
N= May restricted the growth of other employees

Question 13

What are the positive and negatives of rules and procedures in a bureaucracy?

Answer 13

P= employees know whats expected 
N= Introduces delays and reduces creativity (disenchantment)

Question 14

What is meant by disenchantment?

Answer 14

• The dehumanising effect of a bureaucracy where theres a loss of creativity and spontaneous behaviour

Question 15

Characteristics of a bureaucracy according to weber?

Answer 15

• Well defined and formal hierarchy
• Competence not persoanlaity basis for job appointments
• Management remain/maintain impersonal relationships with employees to ensure unbiased environment
• Division of labour and work specialisation
• Management by rules and regulation

Question 16

Why did weber say systematic processes and organised hierarchies are necessary?

Answer 16

• To maintain order, maximise efficiency and eliminate favouritism

Question 17

How does Milgrams Shock study link to bureaucracy?

Answer 17

In 1963 Milgram conducted an obedience experiment where he wanted to see how far people would obey

• 65% went all the way up to the deadly shock level of 450v leading him to conclude that people follow orders given to them by someone of higher authority
• Meaning in the work place workers may feel pressurised into doing things they don’t feel comfortable doing.

Question 18

What is meant by the iron cage?

Answer 18

This is a criticism of bureaucracy that comes from Weber and is sued to describe the increasing rationalisation of social life.
-He realized that the social actions of individuals became more based on rationality instead of being based on their values and tradition. Weber felt that humans would not be able to reach their full potential and in many ways confined because of bureaucratic rationalization and the steady acceleration of capitalism in our society