WEBER’S ‘THEORY OF BUREAUCRACY’

Max Weber viewed Bureaucracy from its structural characteristic. Such a structure, such an organization has an authority, which is exercised by Bureaucrats. The Bureaucrats exercise their authority only because they hold public office. They exercise authority with well defined rules & regulations. Thus Bureaucracy is essentially an organization, with definite rules, regulations, powers & functions. Weber developed his theory of Bureaucracy on its structural basis.

Weber’s Bureaucracy is based upon legal-rational authority. The following are the basic features of his theory of Bureaucracy.

i) Bureaucratic organization is based upon a well-defined hierarchy. Hierarchy, based on authority, has downward trends. Authority flows from upward to downward.

 

 An organization based upon hierarchy of authority.

ii) Bureaucratic organization is divided between vertical & horizontal lines for division of work & functional specialization. Every employee in the organization has a well defined power & authority, based upon employee’s specialization & expertise. Authority Head of the organization

 

Division of work, functional specialization.

  

iii) This Bureaucratic organization functions within a framework of fixed rules and Regulations. An employee, i.e. a Bureaucrat, has to function within this framework of rules & regulations.

iv) Such a Bureaucratic organization specifies the duties & responsibilities of Bureaucrats. Authority implies responsibility.

v) Every Bureaucratic organization functions with a specific procedure, laid down by the organization. This procedure is laid down for performing their functions.

vi) The Bureaucrats. Should be properly & scientifically selected. This enables efficiency of Bureaucracy. The Bureaucrats should be given periodic promotion on the basis of their technical competence.

vii) An employee in the organization obeys the authority. The rules, regulations are practiced & obeyed by Bureaucrats. The procedure of work is followed by employees.

viii) One of the unique features, suggested by Weber, is the impersonal approach of an employee, in the organization. The interrelationship amongst the employees should be based upon impersonal approach. Every employee should function with impersonal approach, while performing duties.