Bureaucracy At Its Best and Worst

Bureaucracy refers to an administrative system characterized by standardized rules and procedures, a hierarchical structure and a division of labor.

It is often associated with government agencies, but it can also be found in many different businesses and other non-profit organizations.

Definition of bureaucracy

Bureaucracy is the structure and set of regulations in place — mainly in different types of large organizations and government — to control activities. All tasks that are executed are governed by official administrative, standardized and formal rules of an organization.

It is often associated with excessive administration, frequent requirement to fill out lots of unnecessary or tedious paperwork, formalities, staff working in multiple departments reporting to several managers, too many committees investigating issues of concern to the organization, long chains of command, etc.

Principles of bureaucracy

A bureaucratic organization is governed by several principles including:

• Standardized rules and regulations. Bureaucracies have a set of rules and procedures that govern how work is done. These rules are designed to ensure that work is done efficiently and consistently. Business activity is conducted in accordance with the prescribed rules — official policies of the organization such as clear lines of authority, responsibility and accountability. Things must…