• A type of organization whose goal is to maximize efficiency and results- Noted by Max Weber
• Characteristics:– Hierarchy with assignments flowing downward and
accountability flowing upward– Division of labor- each worker has a specific task– Written rules– Written communications and records-memos– Impersonality- individual is not important, you are
replaceable • Once they exist they tend to perpetuate
themselves by replacing old goals for new ones- GOAL DISPLACEMENT• Example: March of Dimes-original goal to fight
polio, changed goal after Jonas Salk discover vaccine
Webster predicted the bureaucracies would dominate social life because they are a powerful form of social organizationCalled this processed the rationalization of
society
Red Tape: A Rule is a RuleSo bound by rules that the results can defy logic
Bureaucratic AlienationWorkers begin to feel like objects rather than people
Resisting AlienationForm primary groups at workCorral around the water coolerDecorate their cubicles
Peter principle- people are promoted to their level of incompetence
People who “have what it takes” to get ahead are put on the fast track for promotions Work harder, more committed to the
company Others who don’t look or act like
corporate leaders are given fewer opportunities
This hidden values remain unseen• Females and minorities don’t match the
hidden values and are treated differently