Bureaucracies Soc 111 Fall 2008

“It’s the bureaucracy!” http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/new- orleans-trudging-through- bureaucracy/11912821

Bureaucracies Familiar aspects of modern life Often used disparagingly Typically associated with government “Bloated government”

Likely to work in a bureaucracy Habitat for Humanity is a bureaucracy Most private companies are bureaucracies Walmart, General Motors, AT&T hospitals, colleges, banks, grocery stores

What is a bureaucracy? New social organization that emerged as capitalism began to mature Only existed for a little over 100 years Cited as one of indicators of modernity Max Weber’s classic study of bureaucracy still cited

Characteristics of Bureaucracies Variations but 5 features common to all bureaucracies 1) Clear levels Assignments flow downward Responsibility flows upward

More characteristics 2) Division of labor 3) Written rules Tasks are assigned to people who have been trained to do them Each worker is assigned to a specific task coordinated to fulfill the purpose of the organization 3) Written rules Clear procedures followed by all

Other characteristics 4) Written communication/records Document trail of operations, purchases Workers spent considerable time engaged in documentation 5) Impersonality Importance of office not individual Position exists regardless of who occupies it

Drawbacks and benefits “Red tape” impedes efficiency Can immobilize Alienation “cog in the machine” Cut off from the larger product Increases efficiency Fordism Reduces favoritism Loyalty to organization rather than individual who hired you Increases chances of being hired based on merits