THE BUREAUCRATIC MODEL (MAX WEBER)
Meaning of Bureaucracy
Using the ideal type construct, Weber defined bureaucracy as the type of administrative system which is
organised rationally, logically, impersonally and according to official rules as a means of carrying out
imperative control over human beings. Scientifically, bureaucracy denotes an integrated hierarchy of
specialized offices defined by systematic rules – an impersonal routinized structure wherein
legitimatized authority rests in the office and not in the person of the incumbent Weber (1964). This type
of administrative organisation which rests on a belief in the legality of patterns of normative rules and
the rights of those elevated to authority under such rules represents, according to Weber, the most
technically superior means for attaining the highest degree of organisational efficiency and output.
Characteristics of a Bureaucratic Organisation
1. Officials are organized in a clearly defined hierarchy of positions from top to bottom i.e. each
lower office is under the control of higher one.
2. Each official has a clearly defined sphere of authority and a clearly defined and limited set of
responsibilities and duties called roles.
3. Officials are personally free; they are accountable only for things done in their official capacities.
4. Officials are remunerated with money salaries and pension entitlements which are graded
according to ranks in the hierarchy.
5. There is a clear career structure with promotions carried out according to seniority or
achievement or both.
6. Officials enjoy a security of office tenure i.e. job security. They cannot be removed arbitrarily.
7. The job of an official is his primary and if possible his sole occupation.
8. Officials have no rights of ownership to any part of the organisation or the means of
administration
9. All officials are subject to a strict and unified system of discipline and control which is based on
a relatively fixed body of established rules and standardised procedures.
10. Everyone obeys orders of superior officers not because of the influence of individual
personalities but because of the hierarchical and superior nature .of the positions.
11. All official activities and transactions are recorded in writing and subsequently Bed in a central
office (bureau) for future reference.
12. All cases belonging to the same category are treated in the same way. Thus, official business is
carried out in an impersonal and emotionally detached manner without hatred or passion, without
affection or enthusiasm.
13. There is a system of division of labour and specialisation with every official working as a
specialist within an organisation of specialists.
14. The home is separated from the office or place of work
Advantages of Bureaucracy
(a) It eliminates favouritism and discriminations since duties are performed according to laid
down rules.
(b) Formal specialization is encouraged thus increasing productivity and efficiency.
(c) It enhances precision, clarity and order in official transactions and minimises conflict and
friction since rules, procedures and roles are clearly defined and applied.
(d) It promotes organisational stability, uniformity and continuity of operations and a consistent
and uninterrupted performance of the various activities of the firm regardless of changes in
personnel.
(e) Only the most qualified personnel are employed and/or promoted thus enhancing fairness,
professionalism and organisational efficiency.
Meaning of Bureaucracy
Using the ideal type construct, Weber defined bureaucracy as the type of administrative system which is
organised rationally, logically, impersonally and according to official rules as a means of carrying out
imperative control over human beings. Scientifically, bureaucracy denotes an integrated hierarchy of
specialized offices defined by systematic rules – an impersonal routinized structure wherein
legitimatized authority rests in the office and not in the person of the incumbent Weber (1964). This type
of administrative organisation which rests on a belief in the legality of patterns of normative rules and
the rights of those elevated to authority under such rules represents, according to Weber, the most
technically superior means for attaining the highest degree of organisational efficiency and output.
Characteristics of a Bureaucratic Organisation
1. Officials are organized in a clearly defined hierarchy of positions from top to bottom i.e. each
lower office is under the control of higher one.
2. Each official has a clearly defined sphere of authority and a clearly defined and limited set of
responsibilities and duties called roles.
3. Officials are personally free; they are accountable only for things done in their official capacities.
4. Officials are remunerated with money salaries and pension entitlements which are graded
according to ranks in the hierarchy.
5. There is a clear career structure with promotions carried out according to seniority or
achievement or both.
6. Officials enjoy a security of office tenure i.e. job security. They cannot be removed arbitrarily.
7. The job of an official is his primary and if possible his sole occupation.
8. Officials have no rights of ownership to any part of the organisation or the means of
administration
9. All officials are subject to a strict and unified system of discipline and control which is based on
a relatively fixed body of established rules and standardised procedures.
10. Everyone obeys orders of superior officers not because of the influence of individual
personalities but because of the hierarchical and superior nature .of the positions.
11. All official activities and transactions are recorded in writing and subsequently Bed in a central
office (bureau) for future reference.
12. All cases belonging to the same category are treated in the same way. Thus, official business is
carried out in an impersonal and emotionally detached manner without hatred or passion, without
affection or enthusiasm.
13. There is a system of division of labour and specialisation with every official working as a
specialist within an organisation of specialists.
14. The home is separated from the office or place of work
Advantages of Bureaucracy
(a) It eliminates favouritism and discriminations since duties are performed according to laid
down rules.
(b) Formal specialization is encouraged thus increasing productivity and efficiency.
(c) It enhances precision, clarity and order in official transactions and minimises conflict and
friction since rules, procedures and roles are clearly defined and applied.
(d) It promotes organisational stability, uniformity and continuity of operations and a consistent
and uninterrupted performance of the various activities of the firm regardless of changes in
personnel.
(e) Only the most qualified personnel are employed and/or promoted thus enhancing fairness,
professionalism and organisational efficiency.
