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Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy. POSC 121 Braunwarth. A “Rational” Bureaucracy. What pops into your head when you are asked about bureaucracy? Probably Red tape, inefficiency, slow, etc. Why do we have bureaucracies?

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Bureaucracy

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  1. Bureaucracy POSC 121 Braunwarth

  2. A “Rational” Bureaucracy • What pops into your head when you are asked about bureaucracy? • Probably Red tape, inefficiency, slow, etc. • Why do we have bureaucracies? • As the German social scientist Max Weber points out, bureaucracies are necessary in any large organization

  3. Characteristics of Weber’s Ideal Bureaucracy • Hierarchy • Specialization • Goal Orientation • Impersonality • Formal, Written Communications • Reward Seniority and Meritorious Service • Size

  4. A Rational Bureaucracy • Think about all of the steps necessary for obtaining a driver’s license • Why must one go through such a complicated process? • Every step is taken to ensure that we have competent drivers driving safe, registered, and insured automobiles • Isn’t there an easier way? • We could have no rules at all or a system of bribing public officials

  5. Discretion v. Fixed Rules • Many complain that bureaucratic institutions are too impersonal • But, impersonality is the central point of a bureaucracy • We would prefer to be treated impersonally rather than according to our ability to provide monetary bribes or sexual favors • A bureaucracy has mechanisms to ensure that one is treated fairly

  6. Escape From Freedom • This is the title of a book by Erich Fromme about Germany before WWII • Why would people escape freedom? • Too much freedom can be unsettling • We like order and precision in our lives • For instance, you want to know the requirements for a certain grade or degree before the class or school begins

  7. Run Government as a Business? • Is this possible? • Government should strive for efficiency and accountability but it simply can’t work like a business • Goal is not profits but comprehensiveness • Government supplies what a market can’t • public goods, social welfare, reducing externalities, etc. • Regulations can simplify a complex market so the regulated can make better decisions • Regulations are needed to protect common resources and raise collective productivity

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