What is bureaucracy?

Bureaucracy (also known as bureaucracy) is based on Max Weber's organizational sociology and embodies the combination of German-style social science and American-style industrialism. According to the usual explanation, bureaucracy refers to an organizational system and management model in which power is divided and layered according to functions and positions, and rules are the main body of management. That is to say, it is both an organizational structure and a management model.

Bureaucracy is the product of the rapid development of productive forces, increasingly fine division of labor and expanding organizational scale in modern society. German sociologist M. Weber explained and analyzed bureaucracy earlier. He believes that any organization is based on some kind of power, and reasonable-legal power is the foundation of bureaucracy; It provides formal rules for management activities, managers and leaders to exercise power.

Extended data:

Bureaucracy has the following five basic characteristics:

1, specialization, in bureaucratic organizations, work is divided according to the type and purpose of work, and there is a clear scope of responsibilities. It scientifically divides each work unit, emphasizes the deletion of useless repetitive work, and takes into account the necessity of overlapping functions. Each member will accept the activities and tasks assigned by the organization and specialize in his own job responsibilities according to the principle of division of labor.

2, hierarchy, in the bureaucratic organization, there are a large number of officials, everyone has a clear authority and responsibility. The positions of these officials are arranged in order according to the principle of hierarchy. Subordinates must accept the orders and supervision of the supervisor, and the relationship between superiors and subordinates is strictly divided according to grades.

3. Normalization. In a bureaucratic organization, the operation of the organization, including the activities and relations among its members, is restricted by rules. In other words, every member knows the job responsibilities he must perform and the norms of organizational operation. Therefore, the means adopted by bureaucratic organizations can achieve the established goals most effectively, and the wrong ideas or procedures that leaders no longer apply are unlikely to harm the development of the organization.

4. depersonalization. In bureaucratic organizations, officials must not abuse their powers, and personal emotions must not affect the rational decision-making of the organization; There is a clear line between official and private affairs; Members of the organization treat their work and business contacts in accordance with strict laws and regulations to ensure the realization of organizational goals.

5. technicalization. In a bureaucratic organization, members of the organization get job opportunities and enjoy wages by virtue of their professional expertise and technical ability. Organizations grant positions to members according to their technical qualifications, and decide whether to promote or raise salary according to their work performance and qualifications, so as to promote individuals to do their best for their work and ensure the improvement of organizational efficiency.

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