Question

Critically discuss the main characteristics of bureaucracy an its limitations

Answer 1

Characteristics of bureaucracy are as follows:

· Specialization: Workers need to perform a specialized task under a bureaucracy that requires specialized training. Only trained persons can perform the job efficiently. '

· Hierarchy: bureaucracy encourages organizational hierarchy. A succession of tiers is maintained from a low-level worker to a high-level manager.

· Strict and formal rules: Bureaucratic organizations have strict principles which the employees should be maintained. Proper maintenance of organizational decorum with formal priority is the prime concerns for bureaucratic structure.

· Chain of command: a chain of command is maintained in bureaucracy. The highest authority has the supreme power of policy implementation. Information regarding the formal policies is conveyed from higher authority to lower one.

Limitations of bureaucracy are as follows:

· Rigid policies of bureaucracy fail to create a free movement of ideas, and inputs in the organization

· Bureaucracy fails to create strong bonding between employers and employees.

· Bureaucracy is a lengthy process where a long chain of paperwork is conducted.

· It reduces flexibility in the organization due to rigid rules.

· Bureaucracy often creates a corrupted authority as there is no one to supervise the initiatives of the administration.