BUREAUCRAC

Y
 BUREAUCRATIC THEORY

At the end of the 19th century, it was german sociologist , MAX

WEBER who was the first to use and describe the term
bureaucracy. This theory is also known as Max Weber Theory.
He believed bureaucracy was the most efficient way to set up an
organisation, administration and organisations. In a bureaucratic
organisation, everyone is treated equal and the division of labour
is clearly described for each employee.
 CHARACTERSTICS OF BUREAUCRACY
• The bureaucratic culture is just as popular today as it was centuries ago. This type of organizational
structure derives from the bureaucratic management theory, which was first used and described by
German sociologist Max Weber. He believed that this was the most efficient way to run an organization.
• The bureaucratic organizational business model is characterized by standardized processes and strict
rules. Each employee has a clearly defined role and responsibilities. A common trait of bureaucracies is
impersonality. Employees are hired based on their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them, and
personality has little to do with their success.

• In a bureaucratic organization, the recruiting process is formal and involves job-specific tests.
Promotions are merit-based, not dependant on seniority. Employees are highly specialized, which is
why this type of company may have hundreds of job titles.
DEFINITION
GIVEN BY MAX WEBER:-

“Bureaucracy is an organisational
structure that is characterised by many
rules, standardised processes,
procedures and requirements, number of
desks, meticulous division of labour and
responsibility, clear hierarchies and
professional, almost impersonal
interactions between employees”.
PRINCIPLE OF BUREAUCRACY
 Job specialization

Jobs are divided into simple, routine

and fixed category based on
competence and functional
specialization.
 Authority
Hierarchy
Officers are organized in an hierarchy in which
higher officer controls lower position holders i.e.
superior controls subordinates and their
performance of subordinates and lower staff could
be controlled.
 Formal Selections

All organizational members are to be selected

on the basis of technical qualifications
and competence demonstrated by training,
education or formal examination.
 Formal Rules and Regulations

To ensure uniformity and to regulate actions of

employees, managers must depend heavily upon formal
organizational rules and regulations. Thus, rules of law lead
to impersonality in
interpersonal relations.
 Impersonality
Rules and controls are applied uniformly, avoiding
involvement with personalities and preferences of
employees. Nepotism and favoritism are not preferred.
 Career orientation

Career building opportunity is offered highly. Life long

employment and adequate protection of individuals against
arbitrary dismissal is guaranteed. Here managers are
professional officials rather than owners units they manage.
They work for a fixed salaries and pursue their career within
the organization.
LIMITATIONS OF BUREAUCRACY
1) Informal relationship is not considered: – It does not consider the informal
relationships between individuals working in the organizations.

2) Outdated system: – Its system of control and authority are outdated which
can’t work in such a changed environment.

3) Inadequate means: – Bureaucratic theory does not posses adequate means

resolving differences and conflicts arising between functional groups.
 THANK YOU

:-BY ARUSHI SINGH & JUHI RAJWANI