advantages and disadvantages of bureaucratic management theory

It removes favoritism from the equation. The term bureaucracy is often addressed to governmental structures only, but most people either work in a bureaucracy or encounter one every day. It is based on a structure that needs a proper framework for supporting and channelizing its functions. Definition and Examples, What Is Qualified Immunity? While analyzing power and leadership, he found bureaucracy as one traditional form of organizing. It is an incentive to waste money by spending it on needless things so a budget increase can be guaranteed. Alfred P Sloan, who was appointed chairman of the board of General Motors (GM) in 1937, was a bureaucratic leader who stretched the managerial limits of the style. The big thinkers of the day conceived it as a way to streamline operations, increase productivity and enhance the bottom line. Further, Merton feared that because bureaucrats are required to ignore special circumstances in applying rules, they may become arrogant and haughty when dealing with the public. A bureaucratic leader may be able to recognize these opportunities, but be able to do nothing about them, because the organizational structures in place do not offer the flexibility required to act. Wilson, Woodrow. 7. If workers are paid on a fixed salary and are asked to work extra hours, then their work productivity levels invariably decline. A: Henry Gantt's theory of management A Gantt chart, according to Gantt theory, is a bar chart that. Each team member is responsible for a specific task. A bureaucratic structure has both advantages and disadvantages. German sociologist Max Weber was the first person to formally study . Examples of bureaucracies can be found everywhere. The leadership talents and traits will flourish when properly employed inside a tightly regulated corporate setting. Most workers will not work beyond their quota either, which places another limit on the productivity levels that are available. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. A huge staff must be managed, which necessitates the presence of a fearless leader. This refers to lengthy official processes that involve submitting numerous forms or documents with many specific requirements. Churchill is also a thorough and detail-oriented leader, which are characteristics shared by Churchill. With greater predictability comes more opportunities for personal growth for everyone. It also encourages preservation of jobs even when they become redundant. It is built on. Because competency is the primary focus of a bureaucracy, there is encouragement on a societal level to pursue specialization within a specific field. Because a bureaucracy is so dependent on rules and regulations, changes to a business or international governmental landscape can be difficult. Defining products, roles, and the logic of . Importance or Advantages of Administrative Management. . Weber's theory of bureaucratic management also has two essential elements. Officers must maintain a high level of quality and consistency in their job. 4. The disadvantages or limitations of bureaucracy are given below: 1. It is found that bureaucratic employees do not have a feeling of belongingness towards their organization. Classical management theory increases the wages of the workers. Largely influenced on leaders' experiences. Following inflexible rules and regulations takes time. After completing my post graduation I thought to start a website where I can share management related concepts with rest of the people. 2. Despite all difficulties, he displayed tenacity in carrying out his goals. In other words, these set of leaders function based on official regulations fixed by . 7. Management publications now note that "Bureaucracy is simply unable to cope in this new, rapidly changing worldIts not agile enough." No, that's not a misprint. Longley, Robert. The iron triangle, sometimes called a sub-government, consists of interest groups, members of congressional subcommittees, and agency bureaucrats. In the 21st century which is the information age characterized by discontinuity, it is evident that the random people with irregular ideas are the one who creates different business models that generate significant returns compared to bureaucracy. Because rules and laws govern the actions of a worker within a bureaucracy, there is less freedom to act or make independent decisions. However, unlike other leadership styles, such as charismatic leadership, the bureaucratic management system is simple and implemented. It reduces the opportunity to quickly adapt to changing circumstances. Job descriptions are detailed and specialized. Since the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, sociologists, humorists, and politicians have developed theories (both supportive and critical) of bureaucracy and bureaucrats. 1. 8. 6. Every superior tries to increase the number of his subordinates as if this number is considered a symbol of power and prestige. The advantages and disadvantages of bureaucracy demonstrate that well . 5. If it's not used, then expenditures will not be accounted for in the next budget cycle. 3. Bureaucracy refers to a group of non-elected officials (selected through well-established processes) responsible for conducting official activities and implementing the rules, policies, laws, ideas, etc of their institution. Many complaints arise for bureaucratic management. Classical management theory disadvantages - Often overlooks the importance and nuance of human relations by favouring control over human behaviour Critics argue that these processes slow down the bureaucracy's ability to provide a service to the public while also costing taxpayers money and time. When there is familiarity, there is confidence, and that can lead toward higher productivity levels. 5. 3. He grew up amid the industrial revolution, seeing societys shift toward more excellent institutions, ranging from massive factories to expansive farms. If enough market evolutions take place before a company or government adapts to it, then it will become irrelevant. Robert Longley is a U.S. government and history expert with over 30 years of experience in municipal government and urban planning. It always seeks to create best practices. He devised a strategy that enabled Britain to defeat its adversaries. Although a bureaucracy is often viewed as a large mass of rules and regulations, it is also a place where responsibility is mandatory. The result of this is work absenteeism. In the U.S. governments federal bureaucracy, appointed bureaucrats create rules and regulations needed to efficiently and consistently implement and enforce the laws and policies made by the elected officials. It's also undeniable that some highly hierarchical bureaucratic structures that are overseen by strong leaders have enjoyed amazing success in the 21st century, just as other bureaucratic organizations have failed miserably, (Enron Corp.) and in disgrace (The Weinstein Company, LLC.) If no incentive exists, you have a worker twiddling their thumbs for 6 hours and nothing that management can do about it. The advantages and disadvantages of a bureaucracy show that a well-structured environment can improve efficiencies and reduce barriers that could limit production. 4. He or she will make sure that all the procedures have been followed before sending it to the next level of authority. A bureaucracy is any organization composed of multiple departments, each with policy- and decision-making authority. According to the theory, agencies and departments usually keep close contacts with interest group lobbyists who want to influence their actions. (3) Assignment of activities to individuals as fixed duties. Let's look at what bureaucratic leadership is and how it works. Rules and regulations allow for multiple workers to function in the same way, which increases productivity further. List of Disadvantages of Bureaucracy. 9. In a bureaucratic leadership framework, a strict and formal hierarchy is followed through the entire line of authority. Thus, everyone is moving in the same direction towards the company's goals by minimizing deviations. Job Design Meaning, Steps, and its Benefits, Factors and Employees Role in Organization Culture, Strategic Management Meaning, Features and Important Concepts, Committee Organizational Structure. This is the position where people will remain until they decide to retire because there is no emphasis on creating new or additional competencies within the bureaucratic structure. According to the Max Weber theory, three types of power can be found in organizations; traditional power, charismatic power and legal power. Answer (1 of 5): The advantage is probity. Because of this lack of freedom, there can be low levels of morale frequently found on teams run by a bureaucratic leader. They must be able to tolerate potentially harmful conditions. In his 1957 work Social Theory and Social Structure, American sociologist Robert K. Merton criticized earlier theories of bureaucracy. Political Science Quarterly, Vol. The vice president of the research and development division is responsible for the department heads. The establishment of work study, planning department, training of workers, and standardization requires more money. Bureaucratic leaders prefer to have team members that have defined roles. The more rigid the bureaucracy, the more honest the people working in that bureaucracy and so the more 'fairly' everybody the system interacts with is treated. 4. One needs to be a hard worker because they frequently execute repetitious work; they must be enthusiastic. Classical Management theory has a clear structure for management. These are the following: The systems demonstrate a lack of initiative and flexibility, There is a lot of compliance with regulations and procedures, Webers theory of bureaucratic leadership suggests six key reasons behind its importance, let us have a look at them here and now-, The following characteristics are comprised by the bureaucratic ways of leading a team-. Qualification for bureaucratic leadership is usually based upon the technical expertise required to efficiently and effectively manage the management tasks. An insurance company, for example, may embrace this organizational structure to ensure its employees comply with customer data protection laws and follow industry's best practices. When individuals at lower levels pursue personal objectives, the overall objectives of the organization may be neglected. Team members become specialists who stay in their position until the bureaucracy requires them to be in a leadership position. 1. I am a mother of a lovely kid, and an avid fan technology, computing and management related topics. Sociologist Max Weber undertook the first study of bureaucracy in the early 1900s (Tomkins, 2005). Rationality: A measure of objectivity is ensured by prescribing in advance the criteria far decision making in routine situations. Bureaucratic leaders create a defined separation for the labor requirements which a team must complete. Bureaucratic leaders might find it difficult to adapt to change. Bureaucratic organizational structures are "top-down" hierarchies, in which communication flows downward from the leader; in corporate structures, its leader is the CEO. However, at some point, the employee may be promoted to a position for which they lack the necessary specialized skills and knowledge. However, he also warned that uncontrolled bureaucracy could threaten individual freedom, leaving people trapped in an iron cage of impersonal, irrational, and inflexible rules. The primary disadvantage of this theory is that it doesn't directly state how to act in order to achieve specific results. If your work is supervised by another person, that is a bureaucratic structure. If a worker abides by the rules and regulations that govern their position, then they are awarded with specific benefits and a steady salary that allows them to live the lifestyle they want. Consequently, there is less freedom and individuals who don't follow the rules may face consequences or penalties. Because of the mechanized nature of a bureaucracy, organizations or governmental structures that have policies and procedures in place can be easily merged. When flexibility can be removed from the equation, then there are fewer unexpected consequences which may occur. Each superior exercises control over his subordinates. 3. Bureaucratic leadership is one of the leadership styles postulated by Max Weber in 1947. This system is defined by four specific features. Examine their advantages and disadvantages to both management and workers of any organization. There is a lot of paperwork and red tape, which is the primary criticizing point of every bureaucratic organization. This system lets subordinates follow normative rules and adhere to the authority of the leader in a well-defined manner. D Katz. According to Weber, bureaucracy is a particular type of administrative structure developed through rational legal authority. 2. However, the portions are often governed by the rules that they create for them. Not only does a bureaucracy struggle to change when markets evolve, but the structure also creates delays when new best practices have been developed. Advisers, bookkeepers, secretaries. 5. Two more companies that have thrived with a strong bureaucratic structure are Microsoft, first led by the company's founder, Bill Gates, and then by the successors he's selected; and, Berkshire Hathaway, founded in the 19th century and floundering in the 1960's until taken over by Warren Buffett, who changed everything, using his investment principles to lead the company from a valuation of $11.50 per share in 1965 to its 2018 value of $291,000 per share.

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