The Power of Bureaucracy

Abstract

Despite different views on the existence and development of bureaucracy, bureaucracy is still powerful. The control and influence of bureaucracy in public organizations are still undeniable. This paper explains reasons for the power of bureaucracy. The history for the growth of bureaucracy and the nature of bureaucracy has created strength for bureaucracy. Values such as hierarchy, impersonality, and expertise of bureaucracy are the core mechanisms of bureaucracy. These elements make rational contributions to the development of an organization. The paper asserts that the strength of bureaucracy is undeniable. However, its power is also challenged by its own weaknesses. For instance, rules and regulations, many demands of paperwork (the files), permission, and acceptance from different agencies make bureaucracy become rigid and slow down the implementation process. Its power is more threatened by the development of networks and hollow state, which are more flexible and adapted. Nevertheless, the paper concludes that the power of bureaucracy still exists. Bureaucracy will be powerful if its weaknesses are solved.There should be more focus on dealing with the weaknesses of bureaucracy rather than finding another mechanism that can replace bureaucracy.

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