Rigid and rigid methods: The theory of bureaucracy does not take into account any changes or modifications in the management system, which makes it quite rigid. Although Weber`s theory prioritizes efficiency, this is not necessarily the best practice for executives. Definition: The theory of bureaucratic management introduced by Max Weber states that it is essential for the effective management of an organization to have a clear line of authority as well as appropriate rules, procedures and regulations to control each business operation. Bureaucracy refers to the possession of control over a group of people or activities through knowledge, power, or authority. Max Weber`s six principles of bureaucracy are specialization, formalized rules, hierarchical structure, well-trained employees, management commitment and management impartiality. However, given the fluidity of authority, charismatic authority is likely to be displaced and eventually develop into a new traditional and/or rational-legal authority. In reality, we may not like the word “bureaucracy” at this point, but most companies are still modeled this way because of the structure, broad applicability, and effectiveness of the concept. Weber was different from most of today`s leaders in the workplace. His theory of management, also known as bureaucratic theory, emphasized strict rules and a fixed distribution of power. He would have reprimanded today`s managers, most of whom are open to new ideas and flexible work arrangements, for their leadership style. In general, the term bureaucracy has a negative connotation and is often associated with government agencies and large organizations.
This prevents employees from coming up with innovative ideas so that they feel like a simple number and not an individual. Subsequent research (human relations theory) has shown that employees value attention and want to have a say in decision-making. In the late 19th century, it was the German sociologist and author of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (1905), Max Weber, who was the first to use and describe the term bureaucracy. This is also known as bureaucratic management theory, bureaucratic management theory or Max Weber theory. According to Max Weber`s bureaucratic theory, bureaucracy is the basis of the systematic formation of any organization and aims to ensure efficiency and profitability. A bureaucratic theory introduced by Max Weber involves two essential elements, namely the structuring of an organization into a hierarchy and a clearly defined role in the management of an organization and its members. A German sociologist, Max Weber, described a theory for effectively running an organization known as the bureaucratic management approach or Weberian bureaucracy. Read the following article to learn more about the Max Weber theory of bureaucracy.
According to Max Weber`s bureaucratic theory, three types of power can be found in organizations; Traditional power, charismatic power and legal power. In his bureaucratic theory, he calls it bureaucracy. According to Weber, these are the six characteristics of bureaucracy: Now I understand what bureaucracy is, thanks to a lot that it has really helped In addition, Weber explained that bureaucracy requires the commitment of management. Weber wrote that managers should dedicate their “full ability to work,” regardless of the length of their position, and always place official business above other distractions. Thus, Weber developed the theory of bureaucratic management, in which he relied on a formal organizational structure. The correct hierarchy is maintained and, therefore, a clear set of six principles has been established. A German scholar, Max Weber, describes bureaucracy as a highly organized, formalized, and impersonal institution. He also developed the belief that there must be a fixed hierarchical structure for an organization and clear rules, regulations and lines of authority that regulate it. Max Weber`s bureaucracy has the following attributes: Weber notes that rational-legal authority comes from established rules. Rational-legal authority requires belief in the rules laid down and that the leader who gives orders does so within the area of formal responsibility assigned to him. Specifically, submission to rational-legal authority occurs when: In a bureaucracy, it is possible to build a career based on experience and expertise.
Since employees in a bureaucratic organization do not have the opportunity to express their opinions or influence decision-making, bureaucracy can demotivate employees in the long run. Comment: This is indeed very useful, but my question here is what distinguishes bureaucratic theory and scientific theory and their similarities. It also introduced the belief that an organization must have a defined hierarchical structure and clear rules, regulations and lines of authority that govern it. Max Weber Ideally, bureaucracy has the following characteristics: Together, these six principles of bureaucracy form the “ideal bureaucracy.” Note that the word “ideal” was not used to mean “optimal” or “better.” On the contrary, “ideal” should mean “the most common” or “archetypal”. So these are principles by which most bureaucracies work. At the center of Weber`s theory is the individual worker. The organizational structure and rules must serve to control and promote the capabilities of the individual. The result is a specialized workforce of trained administrative staff.
Bureaucracy is the use of written or oral rules and procedures to control an organization. According to Weber, an organization characterized by division of labor, a clearly defined hierarchy, comprehensive rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships is an “ideal bureaucracy.” He realized that this “ideal bureaucracy” did not really exist, but represented a selective reconstruction of the real world. Despite the modern aversion to the term, most companies are still modeled according to bureaucratic principles, and most large companies exhibit at least some characteristics of bureaucracy as defined by Weber. In this day and age, terms such as “bureaucracy” and “authority” usually have negative connotations. When we talk about bureaucratic management, there are many disadvantages to adopting this theory just to run an organization. This theory focuses on the following two main criteria: bureaucracy must be autonomous, impersonal, and impartial in order to achieve the goals of a bureaucracy. According to Weber, the relationship between employees must be professional. The impersonal bureaucratic atmosphere is structured in such a way as to encourage decision-making based solely on evidence and critical thinking. Max Weber (1864-1920) was a German sociologist and economist, and he developed the concept of bureaucracy in management.
