Bureaucracy.

Essay by ivyconanUniversity, Bachelor's December 2005

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1.0 Introduction

With the quickening pace of globalization and economy of world progresses rapidly, the practice of bureaucracy has a very important role in the development of organisation and management. This study introduces Max Weber and his theory of bureaucracy.

The term ' bureaucracy' was coined by the Max Weber. "Max Weber is best known as one of the leading scholars and founders of modern sociology, but Weber also accomplished much economic work in the style of the "youngest" German Historical School. He is best -known methodologically for his development of the 'ideal-type'." [ Wikipedia ,2003] In addition, he is a historian and philosopher. He was born in 1864, Weber held a series of academic appointments.

He was the first to observe and write on bureaucracies which developed in Germany during the 19th century. He considered them to be efficient, rational and honest, a big improvement over the haphazard administration that they replaced.

When Weber wrote on bureaucracy or charismatic leadership, he was describing an "ideal type," not necessarily the form that actually occurred. He did this to clarify his explanation, not to pontificate. On the other hand, he was not totally dispassionate; he preferred the rational administration of the bureaucratic method. Weber studied and wrote extensively on religion. His concept of charisma derived from theology. His best known book is the Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.

"Bureaucracy is common in large organisation, and it is not necessarily a bad thing. It encourages rational approaches to management; and the formal procedures, speculations, hierarchies and impersonal control mechanisms that it generates can sometimes be extremely effective, especially in very large and complex enterprises."(Bennett, 1994, Page.19)

This report consists of the concept of bureaucracy main characteristics and it's the bureaucratic dysfunction is also highlighted followed by a...