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1. Division of Work: There is division of work on basis of specialization of jobs in bureaucratic organizations. Each employee performs his specialized work in a predictable manner.
2. Rules and Regulations: Detailed rules and regulations regarding work behavior, rights and duties of employee are laid down. Rules are designed to ensure the consistency in work performance.
3. Hierarchy of Authority: Hierarchy in organizations is characterized by downward delegation of authority. Each superior exercises control over his subordinates.
4. Technical Competence: Selection and promotion of employees are based on the technical competence of employees. Training is also provided to familiarize the employees with the rules and administrative procedures of the organization.
5. Record Keeping: Every decision and action is recorded in its original as well as draft form.
6. lmpersonal Relations: Superiors are formal in dealings with their subordinates.
One of the biggest disadvantages of a bureaucratic business model is the lack of accountability and responsibility that has to be taken by upper management. It is too easy to push the burden of responsibility downwards. "I am not responsible. My direct report gave me incorrect data etc!"
Another disadvantage is the inefficiency created by "cover-my-ass" politics in a bureaucratic business model. Instead of taking responsibility for, and making a decision bureaucracies tend to follow a long decision making process that requires each level of the model to sign-off or approve each decision so that ultimately the responsible decision maker can blame the previous signatory and so on down to the entry level if the decision is found to be a poor one. By the time a final decision has been made the opportunity may be lost.
I agree with other respondents that innovation, morale and flexibility are all victims of a bureaucratic business model.
It can discourage creativity and innovation of both employees and organization, employees may receive less satisfaction from their jobs and it will be very difficult for the organization to adapt to the changes in market.
Bureaucratic structures can discourage creativity and innovation throughout the organization. No matter how ingenious a business owner is, it is virtually impossible for a single individual to generate the range of strategic ideas possible in a large, interdisciplinary group. Front-line employees may receive less satisfaction from their jobs in a rigidly bureaucratic organization, increasing employee turnover rates. Organizations bound by rigid controls can also find themselves less able to adapt to changing conditions in the marketplace, industry or legal environment.
1. Rigidity: Rules and regulations in a bureaucracy are often rigid and inflexible. Rigid compliance with rules and regulations discourages initiative and creativity. It may also provide the cover to avoid responsibility for failures.
2. Goal Displacement: Rules framed to achieve organizational objectives at each level become an end to themselves. When individuals at lower levels pursue personal objectives, the overall objectives of the organization may be neglected.
3. Impersonality: A bureaucratic organization stresses a mechanical way of doing things. Organizational rules and regulations are given priority over an individual’s needs and emotions.
4. Compartmentalization of Activities: Jobs ore divided into categories, which restrict people from performing tasks that they are capable of performing. It also encourages preservation of jobs even when they become redundant.
5. Paperwork: Bureaucracy involves excessive paperwork as every decision must be put into writing. All documents have to be maintained in their draft and original forms. This leads to great wastage of time, stationery and space.
6. Empire Building: People in bureaucracy tend to use their positions and resources to perpetuate self interests. Every superior tries to increase the number of his subordinates as if this number is considered a symbol of power and prestige.
7. Red Tape: Bureaucratic procedures involve inordinate delays and frustration in the performance of tasks.
long wait for service or documents ... and many are corrupt take money for faster service ... but that is just my opinion .....
Low efficiency due to slow speed of process of actions
Termination of innovation and change for advancement
Low Morale
Rigidity
Absence of Maneuverability
Impersonality
Excessive paperwork
Discourage creativity and innovation
In short (List will be very long), Bureaucracies will Usually Provide Poor Service :)
If we should be thankful for government bureaucracies, we should also be thankful for the people – the “bureaucrats” – who work in them. Yet they are one of the most maligned groups in our society. They are constantly the butt of jokes and are stereotyped as being lazy, rude, rigid, arrogant, and controlling. Of course, some are like that. But you find these kind of people in every organization, including business bureaucracies........
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