LACCD Metaphors

A bureaucracy is a way of administratively organizing large numbers of people who need to work

The “Shootings at Columbine High School: The Law Enforcement Response” case, in Richard Stillman’s Public Administration: Concepts and Cases, Ninth Edition, covers the Columbine High School law enforcement response to the mass murders committed by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Columbine High School is located in Littleton, CO, which is situated in the center of multiple jurisdictions. The case raises management communication

If group is deemed a reference group, consider how this group affects or hasaffected your lifepersonally and/or professionally? If you select any organizations for youranalysis, consider Weber’s five characteristics of an ideal bureaucracy and suggest which (if any) of the characteristics are directly applicable to your organization. From personal experience, examine the positive and negative ramifications of operating within a bureaucratic structure.

The term bureaucracy was coined by a well-known sociologist named Max Weber in 1947. He used this term to describe corporations that held five main characteristics. These characteristics include, hierarchical authority structure, a division of labor, written rules, written communications and records, and impersonality and replaceability. In the modern day world, it is easy to see several bureaucracies in place, however, one bureaucracy that is personally close to all Grand Canyon University students is the institution of Grand Canyon University (GCU). This is a great example of a bureaucracy due to the fact that it embraces all five characteristics of a bureaucracy.

The most prominent model of bureaucracy was formulated by German Sociologist Max Weber during the nineteenth century. Webster’s model was formulated from the rampant patronage systems that existed during his time. Webster’s model proposed a solution for more professionally and efficiently managed merit-based organizations.Webster’s model however, represented a broad framework rather than an all encompassing model, complete in every detail.The central goal of Webster’s model was to make possible an optimum degree of control.Weber's bureaucratic theory emphasized the need for a hierarchical structure of power. It recognized the importance of division of labor and specialization. A formal set of rules was bound into the hierarchy structure to insure stability and uniformity. Weber also put forth the notion that organizational behavior is a network of human interactions, where all behavior could be understood by looking at cause and effect. He prescribed these five key elements(1) division of labor and functional specialization, (2) hierarchy, (3) maintenance of files and other records, and

Bureaucracy involves non-elected agents that are often seen as the “worker bees” of government such as those in civil service. They execute the law through an organized structure that maintains specific functions, rules, and procedures. They must not be taken for granted. One example of the use of regulations would be the FDA’s role to ensure American health through appropriate regulation of new medication. Through the effective hierarchal organization, duties are completed faster and more efficiently. Some also argue that bureaucracy decreases room for favoritism and all have equal opportunity. For example, all students applying for loans will have their application reviewed, thus creating an equal opportunity for all. Similarly, bureaucracy allows for the hiring of expert officials who show merit and gives the opportunity to be promoted. While they are not involved the process of policy

Frameworks are the vehicles for which help shape the understandings of how educational leaders and administrators make informed decisions that permeate through the operational structure within their institutions. The purpose of this essay is to unpack the political framework, as described by Bolman and Deal (2013) and to also demonstrate how this particular framework manifests in the exploitation, marginalization and harrowingly criminalization of young people of color from impoverished backgrounds, all while deceptively masked with the intent creating a greater good entity for the communities of which are vastly under resourced and desperate for renewal. It is vital, to internalize the political framework as a foundational pillar in most education institutions that determines the overall success or failure of the organization (Bolman and Deal, 2013).

Specialization, departmentalization, unity of command, and span of control are the principles of the organizational structure. Bureaucracies usually have the characteristics of a set application of rules and a standard way of getting things done. Both however have their positive and negative aspects to it. What we understand about a set way of doing things is that it holds fairness in high regards. If specialization is key though,

Bureaucracies are meant to be efficient and get the job done, but their process of going about it isn’t always right. The way they are ran can result in the dehumanization of their workers, and can make them feel as if they’re parts of a machine rather than actual human beings. They are stuck in, as Weber called it, an iron cage because their lives are dictated by multiple rules and guidelines that they have to follow. This layout which is meant to be efficient, can end up being the exact opposite of that. Regardless whether or not bureaucracies are successfully completing their task, there’s a high chance that on the inside there is dissatisfied, improperly trained workers unable to act like anything but robots.

There have been many bureaucracy practices throughout human history and in today’s world, while most of the practices are being criticized to be inhumane, and a threat to individual freedom both physically and mentally. Some argue that bureaucracy is the only efficient way of organizing a large population often not highly educated, while others states that bureaucracy would only shift power from individuals to the administrating party or the leader of the political

According to Jackall, Bureaucracy expands the freedom of those on top by giving them the power to restrict power from those beneath them”pg 127 . Higher management have the ability to distribute their work to whomever they like and not be held accountable for anything. The only keen Once the work is done and projects are complete the small people receive a token of appreciation from their manager ,however the manager is receiving the for making the CEO look good . Moreover, the CEO are the highest on the totem pole and seldom deals with the people below. Jackall explains adeptness at inconsistency that allows lobbying to keep regulation as they are, latter saying it was standard at the time, making changes that only benefit the corporate office and the ability to say one thing and do something else. Overall, Jackall confirms, ‘bureaucracy breaks apart the older connection between the meaning of work and salvation.

Bureaucracy was one of the most popular theories developed and is used in some modern organisations such as the NHS and the Police. Through the years bureaucracy has developed a bad reputation for de-humanizing jobs (Grey, 30) “In the ideal-type, people are no more than parts in a well-oiled machine –devoid of passion, prejudice and personality”, although some people prefer this structure (Handy, 22) “No one, it seems, approves of bureaucracy except, interestingly, lots of people in organisations who like to know where they stand.”

Job security is provided- The structure of a bureaucratic system creates more job security than any other forms of oversight. If a worker obeys the rules and regulations that govern their position, then they will be rewarded with specific benefits and a fixed salary that will allow them to live the lifestyle they wish for. Health insurance, vacation time, and also a retirement pension can be included as part of the security a bureaucracy

Abstract: The theory of bureaucracy was proposed and published by Marx Weber (1947). Although there are some studies on this perspective were discussed before him, those theories did not form as systematic theory. After Weber, the issue of bureaucracy becomes a hot topic in the field of social organization. Almost all well-known scholars such as Martin and Henri have published their views on it. Bureaucracy adapted as the traditional organizational model during industrial society, essentially, bureaucracy could exist rational. This essay firstly will review the principle of bureaucracy in organization based on organizational design perspective. Secondly, it will analyze the strengths and weakness of

The mechanistic structure is the traditional or classical design, common in many medium- and large-size organizations. Mechanistic organizations are somewhat rigid in that they consist of very clearly delineated jobs, have a well-defined hierarchical structure, and rely heavily on the formal chain of command for control. Bureaucratic organizations, with their emphasis on formalization, are the primary form of mechanistic structures. According to Max Weber, bureaucracy is a form of organization characterized by a rational, goal-directed hierarchy, impersonal decision making, formal controls, and subdivision into managerial positions and specialization of labor. Bureaucratic organizations are tall consisting of hierarchies with many levels of management. In a tall structure, people become relatively confined to their