Characteristic of Ideals types of Bureaucracy

            Characteristic of Ideals types of Bureaucracy

Weber identifies bureaucracy as the most and efficient form of the organization devised by man. Bureaucracy is rational in that it involves control based on knowledge; it has clearly defined spheres of competence; it operates according to analyzable rules, and has calculability in its operations.

Bureaucracy is efficient because of its precision, speed, consistency, availability of records, continuity, and possibility of secrecy, unity, and rigorous coordination, and minimization of interpersonal friction, personnel costs, and material costs.

Weber analyzed bureaucracy not empirically but as an “ideal type” derived from the most characteristic bureaucratic features of all known organizations. He defined the main characteristic of this ideal type of bureaucracy:

Bound by rules:

A pure bureaucracy functions in accordance with abstract rules. Although the bureaucrats may be immune from such rules in their personals affairs, there is systematic control over their official actions. A system of rules facilitates standardization and equality in the treatment of many cases. It also excludes the intervention of personal discretion and emotions.

                        A sphere of competence:

According to weber a specific sphere of competence involves

a)      A sphere of obligations to perform functions which have been marked off as part of a systematic division of labour.

b)      The provision of the incumbent with the necessary authority to carry out these functions

c)      That the necessary means of compulsion are clearly defined and their use is subject to definite conditions.

 Principle of hierarchy:

Weber observes: “the organization of office follows the principle of hierarchy; that is, each lower office is under the control and supervision of a higher one”. This means that every subordinate in the administrative hierarchy is accountable to his superior for his actions.

                        Need of specialized training:

“The rules which regulate the conduct of an office may be technical rules or norms. In both cases, if their application is to be fully rational, specialized training is necessary”. According to Weber the root of the authority of the bureaucrat is his knowledge and skill.

            Impersonal detachment:

It is a matter of principle that the member of the administrative staff should be completely separated from ownership of the mean production or administration. There exists furthermore, in principle, complete separation of the property belonging to the organization, which is controlled within the sphere of the office and the personal property of the official.

                        Keeping records:

Another principle of bureaucracy is that the “administrative acts, decisions, and rules are formulated and recorded in writing.” Weber stresses the need for maintaining a systematic interpretation of norms and enforcement of rules which cannot be maintained through communication.

                        Career service:

Weber’s bureaucratic structure provides for a) payment of salaries in accordance with responsibility as well as social stress.

b) Promotions and advancement on the basis of achievement c) appeal and grievance machinery. Service in a bureaucratic organization constitutes a career.

                        The non-bureaucratic head:

Organizations which Weber refers to as bureaucracies have non- bureaucratic heads. The non-bureaucratic head sets the rules to be followed, and decided which goals are to be served by the administrative staff.