In many aspects of our lives, from workplaces to government services and schools, we encounter the structured system known as bureaucracy. A bureaucracy is an organizational model defined by a hierarchy of authority, clear divisions of labor, strict rules and procedures, and impersonal relationships, all designed to enhance efficiency and consistency. This formal system of organization and management is deeply rooted in theories, and one of the key figures behind its conceptualization was a German sociologist named Max Weber in the 20th century. As you continue reading, you'll learn about the details, the history, and the widespread influence of Weber's Bureaucratic Theory. It's often said that to understand something truly, you need to know where it came from. So, let's move back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period was marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of formal organizations. In other words, the spirit of capitalism was growing, and traditional structures were not keeping up. Imagine cities growing at a crazy-fast pace and factories buzzing with activity. All these institutions needed a way to manage their size and complexity. Enter Max Weber, a keen observer of his times. Born 1864 in Erfurt, Germany, Weber grew up witnessing the transformative changes sweeping through Europe. The world around him was evolving, and traditional managing methods were proving ineffective. There was a need for a more systematic approach. Weber's Bureaucratic Management Theory was his response to this challenge. According to Max, bureaucracy was the most powerful tool for organizing large-scale operations. Instead of seeing it as a problem, he identified it as a structure that could bring order to chaos. According to Weber, one of the first things needed was a division of labor based on practical and technical qualifications. An organization must have a hierarchy of authority to maintain control of informal groups. Weberian bureaucracy demanded there be an impersonal relationship between an employee and employer. This well-defined management theory, with a clear set of rules, is meant to overcome the limitations faced by traditional structures. To frame it another way, imagine you've been given thousands of puzzle pieces, and you're expected to assemble them quickly. Without a clear picture or guide, the task seems daunting. Weber's theory tried to provide a clear picture, offering a structure and a method to make sense of all these pieces. Now there are even careers in industrial organization! When you get a new gadget, it usually comes with a manual – a step-by-step guide detailing how to use it, its parts, and the best way to make it work. Similarly, Weber's Bureaucratic Theory has its own 'manual' or principles. These six major principles ensured that large organizations could function smoothly. The bureaucratic model does this by reducing confusion and inefficiencies. Here are the basic principles Weber outlined in his 'manual.'

Bureaucratic theory explains the setup, operation, and management of organizations as formal, rational, well-organized, hierarchical systems. According to bureaucratic theory, organizations have well-defined rules and processes and focus on efficiency. They are characterized by task specialization, well-trained employees, a hierarchical structure, managerial dedication and impersonality. Max Weber (1864-1920), widely regarded as a founder of modern social science, introduced bureaucratic theory. Weber’s coined and defined the term bureaucracy in his 1921 book Economy and Society. Weber’s bureaucratic theory mirrors two key phenomena of the early 20th century: professionalization and rationalization (Ritzer, 1975). Weber wrote at the time when capitalism was expanding and producing an increasing number of businesses. The shifting economic landscape had significant implications for the government. Weber regarded bureaucracy as a rational organization system for complex businesses and governmental authorities (Ferreira & Serpa, 2019). Weber (1921) believed that bureaucracies were the most effective (and ultimately inevitable) organizational response to a society with an increasing need for: Professionalization: secure and efficient legal, financial etc. transactions. Rationalization: organization based on reason and objectivity rather than emotions or arbitrariness. Therefore, bureaucracy is not a type of government. It is a management structure run by professionals following prescribed rules: Max Weber’s bureaucratic theory has been used to explain and analyze the workings of many different types of organizations. Here are a few examples: Big transnational corporations (think Samsung, Shell, McDonalds) rely on task specialization and selection of the most skilled workforce to operate effectively and maximize profit. Health institutions, such as hospitals, are bureaucratic organizations relying on employees’ (doctors, nurses, etc.) expertise to effectively support patients. They’re also defined by career orientation with staff working long hours work for the good of the organization. To prevent errors and misuse of resources, police departments operate under formalized rules and regulations. Their violation (e.g., unnecessary violence) has clear consequences. The military epitomizes bureaucracy. Its top-down command system and rank mean every employee is accountable to their seniors. Senior staff decides on projects and tasks which are then delegated to staff based on their skills and experience. Educational institutions, like schools or universities, are also bureaucratic. They hire and promote teachers/lecturers based on merit (e.g., education and achievements). They also operate The administrative structure and effectiveness of all medium- and large-sized private-sector businesses, from manufacturing to technology and retail, lies in their bureaucratic structure. Inter- and non-governmental organizations, like the United Nations, the World Bank, or charities and non-profit organizations, are bureaucratic too in that there’s clear task delegation, formalized procedures, and career orientation. 1.

Bureaucratic theory stresses that organizations are formal, rational systems with well-defined rules and procedures, defined by specialization, hierarchy, well-trained employees, managerial dedication, and the impartiality of management. Weber’s ideal type of bureaucracy was described in Economy and Society, published in 1921. Weber believed that bureaucracies are the most efficient way to organize large organizations and was a result of the inevitable rationalization and impersonalization of society. Weber both coined and defined the term bureaucracy and detailed ways that bureaucratic management can treat all members of an organization equally with a clearly-defined division of labor. Bureaucracy, as defined by Weber, is an organizational structure characterized by many rules, standardized processes, procedures, and requirements, as well as a clear and meticulous division of labor, clear hierarchies and professional and almost impersonal interactions between employees. These bureaucracies have six major components: hierarchy, rules, task specialization, impersonality, career orientation, and formal selection. Each of these features is functional. Impersonal relationships, meanwhile, eliminate nepotism, politics, and outsider involvement and emphasize rational over emotional social actions in decision-making. Max Weber, often described as one of the founders of modern social science, defined bureaucracy as a system of administration characterized by certain features, namely, a hierarchical structure, clear lines of authority and responsibility, strict rules and regulations, impersonality, and an emphasis on efficiency. He then shows how these features can create an efficient organization. Weber’s theory of bureaucracy has been extremely influential, particularly in public administration. It has shaped how public organizations are structured and operated and has had a significant impact on the way in which sociologists understand and study large organizations – and their effects on the human psyche. What is a Bureaucratic Organization? Weber considered the rationalization of society to be inevitable, creating impersonality in social relationships and disenchantment with the world (Pollitt, 2008). For Weber, bureaucracy is the ultimate affirmation of this impersonality. His definition of a bureaucracy includes several necessary conditions such as “a division of labor”, “hierarchical authority relationship”, “formal rules and regulations,” and “impersonality”. This results in an efficient and predictable work environment, which is essential for organizations that need to process large amounts of information or coordinate complex activities. 1. Hierarchical structure Hierarchy creates a clear picture of class within an organization; rules and regulations coordinate employee performance and efforts, and career orientation allows bureaucracies to select candidates primarily based on their competencies, ensuring that people wind up in the jobs most suitable to them (Sager & Rosser, 2009). Bureaucracies are characterized by a hierarchical structure, which means that there is a clear line of authority from the top of the organization down to the bottom. This hierarchy ensures that each unit is accountable to a higher authority, which helps to prevent errors and misuse of resources. Max Weber’s bureaucratic theory has been used to explain and analyze the workings of many different types of organizations. Here are a few examples: The hierarchical structure of government bureaucracy ensures that each unit is accountable to a higher authority, the rule of law. Well-trained employees and managers who are dedicated to their position help to ensure that the government bureaucracy is able to function effectively as they process both local and national matters, ranging from construction permits to court decisions and the printing of currency (Toye, 2006). Large businesses often have a complex structures with many different departments and layers of management. This can make it difficult to communicate and make decisions efficiently. However, the hierarchical structure of many businesses ensures that each employee has a clearly-defined set of tasks week-by-week and that they are overseen by managers, whose performance is, in turn, overseen by other managers (Toye, 2006). The military is a good example of an organization that needs to be able to respond quickly to changes. The hierarchy of the organization allows for those in control to quickly make decisions that benefit the military’s strategic objectives. The employees of the military, who all generally receive the same basic training, are able to carry out their tasks consistently and with a high degree of precision (Toye, 2006). Clegg, S. (1990).

Max Weber’s Bureaucratic Theory of Management proposes that the best way to run an organization is to structure it into a rigid hierarchy of people governed by strict rules and procedures. What is Bureaucracy? Bureaucracy is defined in the dictionary as, “a system for controlling or managing a country, company, or organization, that is operated by a large number of officials employed to follow rules carefully”. These days the word bureaucracy is often associated with negative connotations, but at the time bureaucratic theory was developed by Weber it was designed to solve some big problems with the way organizations were being run. Max Weber was a German sociologist born in 1864. He grew up at a time when industrialization meant how employees were organized was becoming increasingly important. Society was moving towards larger and larger organizations, from farms employing a dozen people, to factories employing thousands of people. Weber saw that organizing large groups of people like this presented new challenges, especially when it came to authority. At this time, most organizations were running based on traditional authority, where how well you did was based on who you knew rather than what you knew. Today we call this favoritism, but Weber called it particularism, where a particular group of people had disproportionate sway over the organization. Weber saw that it was unlikely that this was the best way to run an organization. What is Bureaucratic Theory? There are two parts to Weber’s Bureaucratic Theory: 1. A clear organizational hierarchy An organizational hierarchy defines how people are structured and fit within an organization. For example, a typical company will have the CEO at the top of the hierarchy, followed by the executive board. Each board member will then be responsible for managers, who in turn will manage employees. Weber wanted each hierarchy to have what he called legal-rational authority. This means that defined authority sits with a position, not with a person. For example, your subordinate would never be able to tell you what to do even if they happened to be the son of the CEO because their formal position doesn’t hold that power. Basically, your authority comes from the position you hold in the hierarchy. 2. Clear rules for decision making Weber referred to this as rational-legal decision-making rules. This means that there should be a set of explicit rules and procedures defining how the organization functions, and that these rules should be consistent with the rules and laws of wider society. Weber identified six characteristics of bureaucracy. These are shown in the diagram below: Let’s briefly examine each of the six characteristics of bureaucracy in turn. 1. Hierarchical Management Structure One of the hallmarks of a bureaucracy is a hierarchical management structure. In a hierarchy, each level within the organizational structure controls the level below but is controlled by the level above. Power and authority are clearly and explicitly defined for each position within the hierarchy. Job responsibilities and duties are also clearly defined for each position. 2. Division of Labor Division of labor means that tasks are divided between the employees of the organization. Each employee will be responsible for specific tasks and each department will be responsible for specific functional areas. As an example of this think about how your salary is set and paid within a large organization. Your salary will be set by your line manager, but you will be paid by the Payroll department, rather than the money being paid to your boss who would then give it to you. There are advantages to breaking things up in this way. First, your manager is the person in the best position to set your salary as they observe your performance much more closely than the payroll department. Second, the payroll department are specialists in payroll and ensure you get paid on the same day each month. 3. Formal Selection Process All employees are treated equally and are hired and promoted on the basis of qualifications, expertise, performance, and experience. There are formal rules and regulations to ensure this selection process isn’t abused.

Weber’s theory is predicated on the belief that bureaucracy is the most efficient and rational way of organizing administrative functions. But what exactly does this mean? Before diving into the mechanics of bureaucracy, it’s essential to understand Weber’s classification of authority. He distinguished between three types of authority: Traditional authority is based on long-standing customs, habits, and social structures. This type of authority is often seen in monarchies and tribal systems where power is inherited. Charismatic authority stems from the personal qualities and charisma of the leader. This form of authority is typically found in revolutionary movements or religious sects led by a charismatic figure. Rational-legal authority is rooted in legal rationality, legitimacy, and bureaucracy. This is the most relevant type of authority for our discussion, as it forms the backbone of modern administrative systems. According to Weber, rational-legal authority is the most stable and efficient form of authority. Weber’s model of bureaucracy is characterized by several distinctive features: In a bureaucratic system, every member has a specialized role. This division of labor ensures that each task is performed by someone who is skilled and knowledgeable in that particular area. For example, in a government office, one person might handle tax collection while another deals with public relations. Weber emphasized the importance of a clear hierarchical structure within bureaucracies. This means that there is a defined chain of command, with each level of the hierarchy having specific responsibilities and powers. For instance, in a corporation, a manager would oversee a team of employees, while the manager reports to an executive. In a bureaucratic system, recruitment and advancement are based on merit, rather than nepotism or favoritism. This ensures that the most qualified individuals fill positions of responsibility. In many countries, civil service exams are used to identify the most capable candidates for government jobs. Weber argued that bureaucracies operate most efficiently when governed by a set of established rules and procedures. These rules ensure consistency and predictability in administrative processes. For example, a university might have specific guidelines for student admissions, grading, and disciplinary actions. According to Weber, bureaucracy is the most efficient way to organize human activity. But why is that the case? Bureaucracies are designed to make decisions based on logic and data rather than emotions or impulses. This rational approach ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the organization or society. Max Weber's theory of bureaucracy, a cornerstone in sociology, distinguishes between traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal authority. His model emphasizes characteristics such as specialization, hierarchical structure, merit-based recruitment, and rule-based operations. Weber posited that bureaucracy is the most efficient and rational way of organizing administrative functions in modern states.

What are Max Weber’s six principles of bureaucracy? Max Weber’s six principles of bureaucracy are Specialization, Formalized rules, Hierarchical structure, Well-trained employees, Managerial dedication, and Impartiality of management. In our time, terms like “bureaucracy” and “authority” have mostly negative connotations. This was not the case at the start of the 20th century. In fact, when sociologist Max Weber developed his management theories detailing the “characteristics of bureaucracy,” they were considered groundbreaking and novel among academics and business managers alike. 1 In spite of modern distaste for the term, most businesses are still modeled on bureaucratic principles, and most large corporations display at least some characteristics of bureaucracy, as defined by Weber. In this article, we’re going to discuss the Management Theory of Max Weber, including the following: Who is Max Weber? Who is Max Weber? Maximilian Carl Emil Weber (1864-1920) was born in Erfurt, Prussia. After completing high school, Weber began studying law at the University of Heidelberg at age 18. Weber then completed one year of military service before continuing his studies and practicing as a lawyer. He eventually earned his doctoral degree in law at the University of Berlin in 1889 and began working as an economics professor. 2 Weber spent time teaching at the University of Berlin, University of Freiburg, and University of Heidelberg before retiring in 1903. Thereafter, Weber became an independent scholar, completing numerous written works and filling various short-term teaching positions. Weber’s most prominent works came after his retirement, including “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” in 1904 and “Economy and Society” posthumously in 1922. The management-related theories that he is well-known for came in the latter of the two publications and included his Theory of Bureaucracy and the Ideal Types of Political Leadership. For these and his other contributions, Weber is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the field of Sociology. It’s worth mentioning that while other prominent figures in the development of management theory such as Henri Fayol and Elton Mayo are primarily known within business and commerce, Weber’s contributions were unusually wide-ranging. He’s commonly cited along with Karl Marx as a key figure in the founding of sociology as a discipline. 3

on, additionally as 'spine of states' hardware. Max Weber, a German Socilologist, in his examination of Bureaucracy, had made Bureaucracy most imperative piece of the investigation of Western Political Science. In this paper, an endeavor is made to depict the significance of Bureaucracy, 'a chain of importanc of specialized specialists in Administration.' Max Weber firmly considered the in s perable connection between - Society and State. He comprehended the certainty of Bure ucracy in present day society in current tate. He composed on hypothesis of Bureaucracy. Power, Authority and authenticity. Weber likewise established the adv nced sociological investigation of Bureaucracy. Weber proposed models of Burea particular business or a government department Cracy denotes a particular form of government. Hence bureaucracy implies a system of government in which most of the decisions are taken by state o ficials rather than by elected representatives. So bureaucracy is a for rench administration in the nineteenth century. But before nineteenth century the French system of govern-ment was not acquainted with bureaucratic b ral parts of Western Europe especially Britain. Again, several states and administrative systems have accepted it and used it for the management of their public administration k eping the original meaning more or less intact. Sev ral languages have translated the English term. For example, i en in other Indian languages this term is used. It means the rule or dministration of state or government employees. In older times the bureaucrats or government employees we e termed as employees of king or rajkarmachari. It is because in old time there was no existence of elected governments. Sovereign power on. That is why they were called rajkarmachari. Subsequently the kingship and the system of selecting government officials underwent se aucracy is very often used in pejorative sense. Bureaucrats‘ inordinate love for law and to do everything according to law and unsympat etic attitude to people‘s needs and problems. ll have made it the centre of public criticism. Any decision or action going aga nst peoples‘ interest is termed bureaucratic. Non- accountability of bureaucracy to general public, its hierarchical structure and non-detachment from public have made it a centre of criticism. Therefore, pejorative connotation ab ists have explained the concept of Bureaucracy. Max Weber‘s idea of state was that ̳a state is a compulsory association which successfully claims a monopoly of legi imate use of force within a given territory.‘ Stat alone possesses power, authority & legitimacy. Weber concluded that it is the legitimate autho exercises its authority i.e. power of command. Max Webers idea of Bureaucracy is based up n his notion of ̳rational legal authority.‘ Bureaucracy, therefore, should have certain definite organisa first to use and describe the term bureaucracy. This is also known as the Bureaucrat organisation, administration and organizations. Max Weber belie aucratic Theory to the latter as a bureaucracy. All aspects of a democracy are organised on the basis of rules and laws, making th th bu ag ment principles of of competencies and functional specializations. Every employee is responsible for what he/she does bes ialization, the organisation directl benefits. Each department has specific powers. As a result, there is a delineation of tasks and managers can approach their employees mo at his/ her powers are within the organisation. Every employee has a specific place within the organisation and is expecte

The bureaucracy theory of management, introduced by Max Weber (1864-1920), focuses on efficient organizational structure and administration. It involves a hierarchical system with clear lines of authority, strict rules and regulations, and an emphasis on impartiality and efficiency. Weber believed that dividing tasks into manageable units, each overseen by skilled specialists, leads to an effective organization. Bureaucracy aims to treat all members equally and define clear divisions of labor. It discourages favoritism and promotes rational decision-making. Weber observed that rational organizations, or bureaucracies, are the most effective way to manage complex entities. While the ideal bureaucratic model may not exist in reality, its principles serve as a framework for effective management and control. What is Bureaucracy? Bureaucracy is a system of administration characterized by a clear hierarchical structure, strict rules, and standardized procedures. It aims to achieve efficient and impartial management by dividing tasks into specialized units. Max Weber introduced this approach, emphasizing its effectiveness in large organizations, but it can be rigid and may lack a personal touch. Max Weber (1864-1920), a German sociologist, introduced the bureaucratic theory of management in the early 20th century. His groundbreaking ideas on bureaucracy were published in his book “Economy and Society” in 1921. Weber believed that bureaucracies are formal and rational systems that use written rules, well-defined hierarchies, and specialized roles to control organizations efficiently. Weber’s bureaucracy management theory is based on the following six principles – also known as Max Weber’s six principles of bureaucracy. Weber’s bureaucratic theory advocates breaking down complex tasks into smaller, specialized units. Each employee focuses on specific responsibilities, utilizing their expertise and skills. This specialization improves efficiency and ensures tasks are handled by those most capable. Related: What is Division of Work? Bureaucracies hire and promote employees based on their technical abilities and qualifications. This ensures a competent workforce and minimizes nepotism or favoritism, leading to a merit-based system. In a bureaucratic organization, decisions and actions are based on rational and objective criteria rather than personal relationships or emotions. This impartial approach fosters fairness and consistency in dealing with employees and stakeholders. Bureaucracies have a clear chain of command with well-defined levels of authority. Each employee reports to a higher-ranking manager, allowing for streamlined decision-making and accountability. Related: What is Top Management? Bureaucracies rely on written rules, procedures, and policies to govern operations. These standardized guidelines help maintain order, uniformity, and predictability within the organization. Weber emphasized offering job security and performance-based incentives to motivate employees to build long-term careers within the organization. This creates a stable and committed workforce, contributing to organizational success. Let’s explore the most common examples of bureaucratic organizations. Government Agencies: Government departments and agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), operate as bureaucratic organizations to efficiently manage public services and implement policies. Large Corporations: Many multinational companies adopt bureaucratic structures to manage complex operations and coordinate various departments effectively, ensuring smooth functioning and adherence to company policies. Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities often employ bureaucratic management to maintain organized administrative systems, clearly defined roles for faculty and staff, and standardized procedures for student-related matters. Military Organizations: Armed forces worldwide follow a bureaucratic structure, enabling them to maintain discipline, hierarchical command, and standardized protocols for efficient defense and strategic operations. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Medical institutions use bureaucratic systems to ensure patient safety, streamline administrative processes, and establish clear lines of authority among healthcare professionals. Who are the Contributors to the Bureaucracy Theory of Management? The main contributor to the Bureaucracy Theory of Management is Max Weber. However, it is important to note that the concept of bureaucracy and administrative management principles were also discussed by other theorists such as Henri Fayol, Chester Barnard, and Frederick Taylor, though they are not primarily known for their contributions to the Bureaucracy Theory. Here are their details:

Bureaucratic management style, first formalized by sociologist Max Weber, has become synonymous with systematic processes and hierarchical authority. It is a widely recognized organizational structure that plays a critical role in the functioning of modern institutions, both public and private. It is characterized by its emphasis on rules, procedures, and a clear division of labour. Despite being perceived by some as inflexible and overly rigid, bureaucratic management remains a popular choice in many organisations due to its effectiveness in ensuring consistency, predictability, and efficiency. Max Weber, a German sociologist, developed this concept in the early 20th century to address the inefficiencies he observed in traditional management systems. Weber’s bureaucratic model aimed to create a more rational and organized way of managing complex organisations. Bureaucracies are characterized by standardized procedures, detailed regulations, and a strong emphasis on impartiality and professionalism. Bureaucratic management refers to an organizational structure and set of administrative principles prioritizing formal rules, fixed responsibilities, and a clear hierarchy of authority. 1. Formal Hierarchical Structure: Bureaucratic organizations are built on a clearly defined hierarchy where each management level has distinct responsibilities. This structure ensures that authority flows from top to bottom, allowing for effective coordination and control of activities. 2. Division of Labor: Tasks are divided into specialized roles, each with specific responsibilities. This specialization allows employees to become field experts, leading to greater efficiency, productivity, and innovation. 3. Standardized Rules and Procedures: Bureaucracies operate based on a set of formal rules and procedures that dictate how tasks should be performed. These standardized guidelines help maintain consistency in operations and decision-making processes. 4. Impersonal Relationships: In a bureaucratic system, interactions are governed by rules and regulations rather than personal relationships. This approach aims to ensure fairness and objectivity, minimizing the influence of personal biases on organisational decisions. 5. Career Advancement Based on Merit: Bureaucracies often emphasise merit-based promotions and appointments. For example, the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency that administers social security benefits. The SSA has a clearly defined hierarchy, with specific roles and responsibilities assigned to employees at different levels. Standardized procedures are followed for processing claims, issuing benefits, and handling appeals. This structured approach ensures that all citizens receive fair and consistent treatment, regardless of their circumstances. Many large corporations, such as multinational companies, adopt bureaucratic management to ensure efficient operations and compliance with industry regulations. A company like Toyota Motor Corporation operates with a well-defined hierarchical structure, standardized production processes, and strict quality control measures. Each department within Toyota has specific roles and responsibilities, from research and development to manufacturing and sales. The bureaucratic management style allows Toyota to maintain its reputation for quality, consistency, and reliability across its global operations. 1. Consistency and Predictability: Bureaucratic management ensures that tasks are performed in a standardized manner, leading to consistent outcomes. This predictability is crucial for maintaining quality and reliability, especially in large organizations. 2. Clear Hierarchy and Accountability: The well-defined hierarchy in bureaucratic organizations ensures that responsibilities are assigned, and accountability is maintained. This structure helps prevent confusion and overlaps in roles, making it easier to track performance and address issues if any. 3.

Continuing our study of the various principles and theories of management, today, we will talk about Max Weber bureaucracy theory. We will look at the definition, bureaucratic form, and principles of Max Weber Bureaucracy Theory. Max Weber, a German scientist, defines bureaucracy as a highly structured, formalized, and also an impersonal organization. He also instituted the belief that an organization must have a defined hierarchical structure and clear rules, regulations, and lines of authority which govern it. Max Weber bureaucracy ideally has the following characteristics: Source: Wikipedia Bureaucratic organizations evolved from traditional structures due to the following changes: In traditional structures, the leader delegates duties and can change them at any time. However, over time, this changed and there was a clear specification of jurisdiction areas along with a distribution of activities as official duties. In a bureaucratic organization, the subordinates follow the order of superiors but can appeal if they feel the need. On the other hand, in traditional structures, the authority was diffused. Rules are exhaustive, stable, and employees can learn them easily. Further, the organization records them in permanent files. Personal property is separate from the office property. Also, the means of production or administration belong to the office. The selection of officials is based on technical qualification and appointment and not an election. Further, officials receive a salary as compensation for their work. The official is taken in for a trial period and then offered a permanent position with the organization. This protects him from arbitrary dismissal. Learn more about Classical Organizational Theory here in detail. Max Weber listed six major principles of the bureaucratic form as follows: A formal hierarchical structure – In a bureaucratic organization, each level controls the level below it. Also, the level above it controls it. A formal hierarchy is the basis of central planning and centralized decision-making. Rules-based Management – The organization uses rules to exert control. Therefore, the lower levels seamlessly execute the decisions made at higher levels. Functional Specialty organization – Specialists do the work. Also, the organization divides employees into units based on the type of work they do or the skills they possess. Up-focused or In-focused Mission – If the mission of the organization is to serve the stockholders, board, or any other agency that empowered it, then it is up-focused. On the other hand, if the mission is to serve the organization itself and those within it (like generating profits, etc.), then it is in-focused. Impersonal – Bureaucratic organizations treat all employees equally. They also treat all customers equally and do not allow individual differences to influence them. Employment-based on Technical Qualifications – Selection as well as the promotion of employees is based on technical qualifications and skills. While these rules have received criticisms from many corners, the bureaucratic form of the organization continues to live on. Why is a Bureaucratic Organization criticized?