What does bureaucracy mean?

Bureaucracy (also known as bureaucracy) is based on Max Weber's organizational sociology, which embodies the combination of German social science and American industrialism. According to the popular explanation, bureaucracy refers to an organizational system and management model in which power is divided and layered according to functions and positions, and rules are the main body of management. That is to say, it is both an organizational structure and a management model. As a management method, expanding data bureaucracy provides an effective tool for the organization and management of modern society. On the basis of extensive historical research and comparative study of western civilization and eastern civilization, Max Weber pointed out that any organized group can only become a whole if it implements "compulsory coordination". Based on this, he regards the bureaucratic centralized administrative organization system as the most ideal organizational form, and predicts that this organizational structure will be widely used in the future development of mankind. Weber's rational bureaucratic organization has the following five basic characteristics:

1. specialization. In bureaucratic organizations, tasks are divided according to the type and purpose of work, and there is a clear scope of responsibility. It scientifically divides each work unit, emphasizes the deletion of useless and repetitive work, and takes into account the position.

We need to be able to cross each other. Each member will accept the activities and tasks assigned by the organization and specialize in the work of his post responsibilities according to the principle of division of labor.

2. Hierarchy. In bureaucratic organizations, there are a large number of officials, and each official has clear terms of reference and responsibilities. The positions of these officials are arranged in order according to the principle of hierarchy. Subordinates must accept orders and supervision from superiors.

The authority relationship between subordinates is strictly divided according to grades.

3. Normalization. In a bureaucratic organization, the operation of the organization, including the activities and relations among its members, is restricted by rules. In other words, every member knows the job responsibilities he must perform and the norms of organizational operation. Therefore, the means adopted by bureaucratic organizations can achieve the established goals most effectively, and are no longer applicable to the wrong ideas or procedures of leaders and are unlikely to damage the development of the organization.

4. depersonalization. In bureaucratic organizations, officials must not abuse their powers, and personal emotions must not affect the rational decision-making of the organization; There is a clear line between official and private affairs; Members of the organization treat their work and business contacts in accordance with strict laws and regulations to ensure the realization of organizational goals.

5. technicalization. In bureaucratic organizations, members of the organization get job opportunities and enjoy wages according to their professional knowledge and technical ability. Organizations award positions according to the technical qualifications of their members, and decide whether to promote or raise salaries according to their work performance and qualifications, so as to promote individuals to do their best for their work and ensure the improvement of organizational efficiency.

Weber believes that from a purely technical point of view, bureaucracy can bring high efficiency to organizations. In this sense, it can be said that mandatory bureaucracy is the most reasonable means known. It is superior to any other form in rigor, rationality, stability and applicability.

1. rigidity. The hierarchical structure system of power can ensure the reliability of decision-making system. Each member in the hierarchical structure has clear authority restrictions, and they clearly know which department and post they should transfer to if they have problems that they can't solve. If a decision needs to be made, who should make it? This result of strictly operating power according to grades and regulations can avoid the phenomenon of unclear responsibilities and mutual shirking between organizations and individuals.

2. rationality. Bureaucratic organizations ensure the control of their members and make their activities impersonal according to the principle of hierarchical restraint. There are a large number of experts in the organization, who have specialized knowledge, and then make full use of files, so that it is possible for the organization to predict future events reliably through accurate calculation, thus making the organization's behavior based on rationality.

3. stability. In a bureaucratic organization, applying professional and technical knowledge is one of its main advantages. Any administrative decrees, decisions and regulations have written regulations and records, which are detailed and practical, thus ensuring the stability of organizational behavior.

4. Universality. In the half century since Weber founded the theory of bureaucracy, the rise of bureaucratic organizations has proved to be an irreversible trend. All large organizations, such as industrial organizations, government agencies, trade unions and religious institutions, have gone through a bureaucratic process. In contemporary industrial society, bureaucratic organization has developed into the most common organizational form.