Ans. Bureaucracy is a social invention perfected during the industrial revolution to organise and direct the activities of a firm. It describes a system where the Government is run by officials, directly or indirectly. Bureaucracy is defined as a system of organisation in which roles, tasks and relationships among people and positions are clearly defined, carefully prescribed and controlled in accordance with formal authority and any deviations from rules and regulations is viewed very seriously. The bureaucratic theory was systematically developed by Max Weber (1864-1920). Weber termed his formulation of organisation as ideal type. According to Max Weber, every organisation can be defined as a structure of activities (means) directed towards the achievement of certain objectives (ends). Every organisation develops a system of specialisation (division of tasks) and a set of systematic rules and procedures to maximise efficiency and productivity. Weber stressed that the bureaucratic form is capable of attaining the highest degree of efficiency, and is in this sense, formally the most rational known means of carrying out control over human beings in any organisation. It is superior to every other form in precision, stability, discipline and reliability.
Characteristics of Bureaucracy
The bureaucratic form of organisation is distinguished by the following structural and behavioural characteristics:
Division of Labour and Specialisation : Specialisation based on division of labour is the cornerstone of bureaucracy. It applies more to the job than to the individual. The roles of various officials based on the division of job work are clearly defined. This leads to the clear definition of the job-content of an individual and his position in the organisation set up which in turn leads to the clarity of the goals/objectives of the organisation and helps in designing the hierarchical structure of the organisation. It is based on a specified sphere of competence which involves: (a) a sphere of applications to perform functions which has been marked off as part of a systematic division of labour, (b) the provision of the incumbent with necessary authority, and (c) the necessary means of compulsion are clearly defined and their use is subject to definite conditions.
Hierarchy : Hierarchy is the second fundamental characteristic which is the feature of any bureaucratic form of organisation. There is a clear separation between superior and subordinate officers, i.e., each lower officer is under the control and supervision of a higher one. Remuneration is fixed in accordance with the nature of the job and the grade of responsibility. Promotion and career advancement is on the basis of seniority and merit.
Rules : Bureaucracy operates in accordance with a consistent system of abstract rules. The role of rules has been stressed by Weber so that personal favouritism, arbitrariness or nepotism may not hinder the working of an organisation. Every act of personal discretion of official must be justified by impersonal ends.
Rationality : Weber’s ideas on efficiency and rationality are closely related to his ideal typical model of bureaucracy. He observed that bureaucracy is the most rational known means of achieving imperative control over human beings. It is capable of obtaining a high degree of efficiency since the means used to achieve goals are rationally and objectively chosen towards the desired ends. An added factor of efficiency is that personal whims of the leaders and traditional pressures are no longer effective in such a system; it is run according to rules and there is a clearer demarcation between personal and official affairs. Rationality is also reflected by the relatively easier means of calculability of results in the organisation.
Impersonality : It should be observed by all officials in decision-making and in overall organisational life. The bureaucratic form has no place for personal whims, fancies or irrational sentiments. Official activity is conducted in a business like manner with a high degree of operational impersonality.
Rule Orientation : Rationality and impersonality are mainly achieved through formulation of rules and procedures which clearly define official spheres of authority and conduct. Employees are expected to follow the rules in discharging their duties.
Neutrality : Neutrality in decision making and their implementation are the cardinal principles of bureaucratic way of functioning. Bureaucracy is supposed to be a political and neutral in its orientation. It is committed only to the work it is meant to perform.
Bureaucracy enhances efficiency in the organization :
Weber tried to identify various factors and conditions that have contributed to the growth of bureaucracy in modern times. Development of modern Organisation and Corporation led to the development and considerable spread of bureaucracy in Organisations. Bureaucracy is simply indispensable irrespective of its inherent evils for the running of complex organisations. Secondly, an important factor responsible for the superiority of bureaucracy is the role of expanding technical knowledge and the development of modern technology. Whether the economic system is capitalistic or socialistic a considerable degree of bureaucratic specialisation is required to attain a high level of organisational efficiency. Thirdly, Weber repeatedly stressed the fact that the capitalist system has undesirably played a major role in the development of modern bureaucracy. The proper functioning of a capitalist system necessitated a stable state and a well organised administration. Besides, capitalism is considered the most rational economic basis for bureaucratic administration itself.
No comments:
Post a Comment