close
test_template

The Relevance of Max Weber’s Ideal Model of Bureaucracy in Today’s Society

Human-Written
download print

About this sample

About this sample

close
Human-Written

Words: 530 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Published: May 14, 2021

Words: 530|Page: 1|3 min read

Published: May 14, 2021

The main elements of Weber’s ideal model of bureaucracy included division of labour, hierarchy, and selection of staff based on technical competence. It provided for officials to be appointed, not elected, fixed salaries and promotions based on seniority of service. Weber suggested a model for the organizational environment that would be representative of any organization, and follow the principle of hierarchy. That is, higher officers supervising the work of lower officers. One major characteristic of Weber’s ideal model of bureaucracy is Specialization and Division of labour. Task specification looks at jobs or tasks being performed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the organization. This implies that there is no possibility of job rotation or enlargement. According to McAlister-Kizzier (2014), “Weber’s style of division of labour, focused more on the assembly line style of job where employees had a narrow set of tasks or one task to complete.” This has now become outdated as younger employees embrace job flexibility and appreciate meaningful work. In the past, employees were encouraged to work independently, whereas in the modern workplace collaboration is encouraged.

Following this is the fact that bureaucracy facilitates inflexibility and routinization which proper job design argues, has a negative impact on individual performance as it suppresses creative expression. This rigidity does not leave any chance for the now necessary “out of the box solutions”. According to Vittana, “because bureaucracy is so dependent on rules and regulations, changes to a business or international governmental landscape can be difficult. It takes time for a bureaucracy to draft new rules and regulations to the new environments that have evolved.” Furthermore, bureaucracy, as it applied to government agencies, failed miserably and there arose the need for New Public Sector Management. The trend today is towards Economy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness, which are three pillars of New Public Management that this effectiveness is accomplished by workers who have the opportunity to see better working conditions, be involved in decision making and have jobs which promote personal goals. New Public Management has also embraced technologies and saw their inclusion within the public Service. The advent of these (particularly those relating to communication, such as email, Instagram) now serve as a catalyst in the delivery of services.

Having examined Weber’s bureaucracy we will notice that most of the principles have lost their relevance in the modern world. In practice, bureaucracy impedes businesses rather than streamlining them. Government’s desire is to be more efficient in the delivery of services to the public; therefore the disadvantages of bureaucracy have caused the need for New Public Sector Management and massive change. As such it must be seen that the statement is valid. Weber’s ideal model is a far cry from what is needed for the proper functioning of organizations in today’s society.

References

  1. Christopher Pollitt, E. F. (1990). The Oxford Handbook of Public Management. Retrieved from https://books.google.tt/books?hl=en&lr=&id=DLgSDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=Pollitt,+C.+(1990).+Managerialism+and+the+public+services:+The+Anglo-American+experience.+Oxford:+Basil+Blackwell.&ots=2g5tgg1_av&sig=PFSR2aOnwvPFx-E5mbOYrDPAIao&redir_esc=y#v=onepag
  2. Kuligowski, K. (2019). 7 Things to Know About Working With Gen Z. Retrieved from https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15050-how-to-work-with-generation-z.html
  3. Library, W. O. (2019). Wiley Publisher Description. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/publisher/black?refreqid=excelsior%3A8bc88688021ada2d378b902218a6f68d
  4. McAlister-Kizzier, D. (2014). 'Division of Labor.' Encyclopedia of Business and Finance. Retrieved from https://www.encyclopedia.com/
  5. Mulder, P. (2017). Bureaucratic Theory by Max Weber. Retrieved from https://www.toolshero.com/management/bureaucratic-theory-weber/
  6. Regoli, N. (2019). 20 Advantages And Disadvantages Of Bureaucracy. Retrieved from https://vittana.org/20-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bureaucracy
Image of Dr. Oliver Johnson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Oliver Johnson

Cite this Essay

The Relevance of Max Weber’s Ideal Model of Bureaucracy in Today’s Society. (2021, May 14). GradesFixer. Retrieved December 7, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/discussion-of-whether-max-webers-ideal-model-of-bureaucracy-is-no-longer-relevant-in-todays-society/
“The Relevance of Max Weber’s Ideal Model of Bureaucracy in Today’s Society.” GradesFixer, 14 May 2021, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/discussion-of-whether-max-webers-ideal-model-of-bureaucracy-is-no-longer-relevant-in-todays-society/
The Relevance of Max Weber’s Ideal Model of Bureaucracy in Today’s Society. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/discussion-of-whether-max-webers-ideal-model-of-bureaucracy-is-no-longer-relevant-in-todays-society/> [Accessed 7 Dec. 2024].
The Relevance of Max Weber’s Ideal Model of Bureaucracy in Today’s Society [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2021 May 14 [cited 2024 Dec 7]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/discussion-of-whether-max-webers-ideal-model-of-bureaucracy-is-no-longer-relevant-in-todays-society/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now