StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Key Concepts of Max Webers Theory on Bureaucracy - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
This paper 'Key Concepts of Max Webers Theory on Bureaucracy' tells us that different organizations have a varying emphasis on the rules. However, some organizations are strict on their rules, as they are inflexible. Such organizations are commonly known as bureaucracies. These organizations function on rationality principles…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER93.7% of users find it useful
Key Concepts of Max Webers Theory on Bureaucracy
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Key Concepts of Max Webers Theory on Bureaucracy"

Key concepts of Max Weber’s Theory on Bureaucracy Different organisations have varying emphasis on the rules. However, some organisations are strict on their rules, as they are inflexible. Such organisations are commonly known as bureaucracies. As such, these organisations function on the rationality principles. The organisations do not make changes to their rules, as they are the main point of focus. Weber observed that societies and organisations could be effectively managed by authority to some individuals. This is where a number of individuals are given ultimate control over the organisation. In such instances, there is use of hierarchy of authority. The people at the top in the organisation have ultimate authority. They are mandated to implement the rules that are stated in the organisation. In such instances, the junior staffs have to ensure the rules are followed. Apparently, there are three types of authority. To begin with, there is the individual authority, known as charismatic authority (Maley, 2011:6). This is where an individual has authority over others due to the individual’s leadership. Secondly, there is the traditional authority, which is an establishment of an organisation or an institution. For example, in some monarchical organisations, the leadership is reserved to some people. The leadership is transferrable according to the initiated rules, since its inception. One generation transfers the leadership to the next generation as traditionally stated. Lastly, there is the rational authority. This is where legal systems are used in when giving authority to the leaders. For example, government organisations have to use the stated rules before initiating a change in leadership. According to Weber, a number of principles are used in bureaucracy. To begin with, a bureaucracy is a formal organisation with a hierarchal structure. This is where the level of authority varies from one level to another. As a fact, each level in the organisation has control over another level that is below. The ultimate level of control is the central control, which is involved in central planning. Similarly, the central control is the decision making body in the organisation. Therefore, the crucial decisions are made by the central control, which is the highest level in the hierarchy of leadership. Secondly, bureaucracies are controlled and managed by rules (Merz, 2011:8). In this principle, the top management is responsible for making all the rules and decisions in the organisation. These rules should be observed and executed by all the lower levels in the organisation. Thirdly, the organisation’s employees work according to specialty. This is where specialists in a particular field do all the work. As such, the workers are given different tasks depending on their skills and knowledge. Therefore, there should be a direct relationship between the skills and the type of work by the workers. The organisation is focused on various objectives and purposes. For example, some organisations are focused on serving the stockholders. This is to enhance a lasting relationship between the organisation and the stockholders. This is commonly known as the “up-focused” organisation. Similarly, some organisations ostensibly serve their priorities. This is where the organisation has an objective of enhancing its profitability, gaining a larger market niche, and producing better cash revenue. These benefits are shared within the organisation. This brings an “in-focused” organisation. Fifthly, bureaucracies are governed by the principle that they should treat all the workers equally. Similarly, they have to treat all the customers equally. This is to avoid a conflict of interests while running the organisation. Apparently, individual differences should not be used at the work place to influence treatment to each other. This will enhance productivity and objectivity in the organisation as all the workers and customers are satisfied with the services that are offered in the organisation. When the customers and workers are contented with the treatment, they are likely to enhance the relationship with the organisation. However, when this is not adhered to, the organisation is likely to lose some workers and allied customers. Sixthly, bureaucracy is guided by the principle of employing people according to meritocracy and technical skills. This is where interested workers are hired in accordance to the required technical skills (Merz, 2011:10). Any interested party with the desired skills should be given first priority, while observing the principles of meritocracy. Therefore, the employment is in accordance to the technical qualifications and skills. People who lack such qualifications and skills should not be given the job opportunity over others who do have the desirable skills and qualifications. Relevance of Weber’s Ideas in the 21st Century The ideas initiated by Weber are equally relevant in the 21st century. The ideas are still in use in many organisations across the globe. First, the rules succinctly state the code of conduct in an organisation. The workers, managers and other concerned parties have to be observant to the rules that are stipulated in the organisation. This is a way of solving numerous problems in the organisation. For example, there is a mode of solving emergent problems in the organisation. This will make work easier to the managers, workers, and concerned parties when solving incumbent issues. As such, the organisation concentrates on its priorities and objectives rather than wasting time in solving the minor problems. Secondly, bureaucracy as initiated by Weber enhances unity and uniformity in an organisation (Maley, 2011:12). The organisations have a stipulated was of performing tasks. The presence of a centralised governing body initiates the rules that should be observed in the organisation. With such an approach, all the workers have to follow the stipulated rules. Apparently, the central governing body is responsible for monitoring and evaluation. Since they are responsible for the monitoring and evaluation, they are in a position to punish, reward and make changes in the organisation. This reduces the instances of ambiguity in the organisation, as the responsibilities of the central management are clearly stipulated. Under such circumstances, the organisation is likely to record an upward stretch in performance. However, when the rules are not clearly stipulated in the organisation the workers will not work in unity and uniformity. This affects the performance of the organisations as they may struggle to accomplish some of the simple tasks. At times, the ambiguity in the organisation affects individual performance, as they do not have full information the scope of their work. Bureaucracy is an aspect that enhances openness in an organisation. This is where the leaders of the organisation have to give all the stakeholders, workers and other parties all information in concern to the running of the organisation. The concerned parties scrutinise the information in books of the organisation at lengths. As such, all the concerned parties have knowledge of the important aspects of the organisation. In such a situation, they are likely to monitor the performance of the organisation at lengths. Similarly, the knowledge of the files ensures the business is not involved in unscrupulous and clandestine activities. Apparently, in this aspect, precision is enhanced in an organisation as the organisation is seen to manage the organisation in accordance to the stipulated rules. However, on the contrary, when this is not done in organisation, there is a likelihood of emergence of scandals in the organisation. For example, some of the managers may use their authority for individual benefit (Maley, 2011:15). This will have a direct effect on the organisation. Similarly, it will be hard for the organisation to enhance accountability. With such actions in the management, an organisation is likely to flop, as the monitoring and evaluation does not follow bureaucracy. Bureaucracy has calculable rules in managing organisations. This is where all the employees and managers have to work in accordance to the rules and regulations in the organisation. These rules should be observed at all times, as long as the workers are in the organisation. However, when the rules are not observed, the workers and managers have to face the consequences of flouting the rules. Apparently, the calculable rules influence calculable consequences. Therefore, there is calculability of consequences. For example, some rules could lead to termination, while others may result in a stern verbal or written warning. Relevance of Values and Ethics in Organisation Today Bureaucracy has influenced the way organisations are managed in today’s world. To begin with, there is enhancement in meritocracy. This is where the skilled and qualified employees are given an opportunity to serve in the organisation. This has several advantages. First, the individuals are given an opportunity to use their skills. Secondly, the organisation is at an opportune stage of enhancing productivity (Merz, 2011: 13). As such, the organisation will be making an improvement in its endeavours. Lastly, the stakeholder, which includes the customers are given high quality service and products. As a result, all the people that interact with the organisation achieve optimum results. Bureaucracy states the rules that should be used when serving customers and interacting with workers in the organisation. This is met be rewards or punishments, depending on the situation. Whilst some situations are punishable by the organisation, some situations need law enforcement. This has ensured all the people in the organisation have to be responsible in maintaining the values and ethics of the organisation and society. This has enhanced sanity in organisations and the world as a whole. This aspect has led to transfer of skills, knowledge, and culture from one generation to another. This has enhanced continuity in organisations as they strive to maintain greater performance. (Merz, 2011:13) As such, there is improved performance as the rules are observed accordingly. In conclusion, bureaucracy is an aspect that should be initiated in all organisations. Though some workers have stated that bureaucracy is the beginning of the downfall of some organisation, it should be used accordingly. This will enhance performance, improvement, and focus on values and ethics in the organisations. References Maley, T. (2011) Democracy and the political in Max Webers thought, Toronto, University of Toronto Press. Merz, F. (2011) Max Webers theory of bureaucracy and its negative consequences, München, GRIN Verlag. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Utilising the main key concepts of Max Webers theory on Bureaucracy, Essay”, n.d.)
Utilising the main key concepts of Max Webers theory on Bureaucracy, Essay. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/management/1633488-utilising-the-main-key-concepts-of-max-webers-theory-on-bureaucracy-adescribe-the-main-features-of-a-bureaucratic-organisation-bdiscuss-to-what-extent-the-ideas-of-weber-are-still-relevant-in-the-21st-century-ccritically-assess-the-relevance
(Utilising the Main Key Concepts of Max Webers Theory on Bureaucracy, Essay)
Utilising the Main Key Concepts of Max Webers Theory on Bureaucracy, Essay. https://studentshare.org/management/1633488-utilising-the-main-key-concepts-of-max-webers-theory-on-bureaucracy-adescribe-the-main-features-of-a-bureaucratic-organisation-bdiscuss-to-what-extent-the-ideas-of-weber-are-still-relevant-in-the-21st-century-ccritically-assess-the-relevance.
“Utilising the Main Key Concepts of Max Webers Theory on Bureaucracy, Essay”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/management/1633488-utilising-the-main-key-concepts-of-max-webers-theory-on-bureaucracy-adescribe-the-main-features-of-a-bureaucratic-organisation-bdiscuss-to-what-extent-the-ideas-of-weber-are-still-relevant-in-the-21st-century-ccritically-assess-the-relevance.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Key Concepts of Max Webers Theory on Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy and Rationality

bureaucracy and Rationality bureaucracy and Rationality Introduction: This aim of this chapter is to understand bureaucracy and rationality.... bureaucracy can be viewed as rational and irrational.... It can be said as irrational if the bureaucracy is considered as a system of structural rules and principles which actually declines the psychological well being of people who work in the organization.... In other words, rationality can be admitted in the organization where bureaucracy is practiced....
11 Pages (2750 words) Essay

Comparison of Mises versus Weber on Bureaucracy and its Consequences on Society

hesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the opposing perspectives of Ludwig von Mises and Max Weber on bureaucracy and its consequences on society.... bureaucracy “denotes the general, formal, structural elements of a type of human organisation” (Weber (2) 50), particularly relating to governmental administration.... nomist and social philosopher, and Max Weber (1864-1920), the German sociologist, philosopher and political economist had different methodological approaches to the study of ‘bureaucracy' based on its sociological and economic perspectives....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Characteristics of Bureaucracy by Max Weber

Historically, bureaucracy defined government administration that was managed by non-elected officials through staffed departments.... Excessive bureaucracy's dehumanizing influence formed a major theme in Franz Kafka's work.... In modern managerial theory, unnecessary bureaucracy A bureaucracy is a body made up of government officials that are non-discretionary and a group for administrative policy-making.... Historically, bureaucracy defined government administration that was managed by non-elected officials through staffed departments....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

The Concept of Capitalism in Marx and Weber

This paper provides information about the general characteristics of max Weber and Karl Marx, a comparison of Karl Marx and Max Weber's Approaches to the Concept of Capitalism and contemporary relevance of the ideas of Karl Marx and Max Weber.... However, the Marxist or Weberian concepts of capitalism are different from those seen in England's political history and major legal and political institutions.... his paper proposes to compare Karl Marx and Max Weber's concepts of Capitalism, and to identify the contemporary relevance of their ideas....
12 Pages (3000 words) Coursework

Webers Bureaucracy Theory and Civil Service System

This paper "How Weber's Elements of bureaucracy Theory Permeate the Civil Service System through Impersonal Decisions by Laws" is devoted to the analysis of the content of the main elements of Weber's bureaucracy concept and the possibilities of their application in the organization of work of the modern state system.... Weber's theory of bureaucracy must not be understood negatively in light of the post-world war II world, but in the light of the danger it may pose to the US civil system which by its impersonal laws in becoming bureaucratic in a way that leaves no space for the idiosyncratic individual or any uniqueness – only extreme rationalization, universal treatment, and personalization of everything....
8 Pages (2000 words) Literature review

Max Weber as a Philosopher of the Social Sciences and His Idealistic Vision

For instance, while talking of bureaucracy he brings together the concepts of division of labor as well as that of subordination by the authority.... The paper describes Weber on Capitalism, bureaucracy and the modern society.... Weber often places two concepts under the same roof where there is no psychological association between the components.... These two concepts are not connected psychologically because the division of labor might as well be collectively organized and hence there is no connection with the authoritarian form of governance....
15 Pages (3750 words) Case Study

Webers Bureaucracy Style in Contemporary Society

This essay "Weber's bureaucracy Style in Contemporary Society" discusses to what extent is Weber's 'ideal type' of bureaucracy appropriate in contemporary society.... Max Weber's theory of bureaucracy has provided a foundation for studying organizations since the beginning of the twentieth century.... He forwarded the model of bureaucracy as an example of this trend of institutionalization and organization of society (Slattery, 2003, p....
7 Pages (1750 words) Essay

Contribution to the Development of Social Thought Marx and Weber

He then developed the theory through the conversion of the idealistic theory.... He achieved his desire to change history through the transformation of idealistic thought of history and development of the modernised social theory (Oluwasegun, 2012).... max Weber was born in the year 1864 in a German town called Erfurt where he spent most of his life.... Karl Marx and max Weber.... he key objective of the essay is to outline the key ideas presented by the two globally renowned and pioneering thinkers i....
8 Pages (2000 words) Coursework
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us