Which of the following is not a feature of Max Weber's Bureaucracy Model? O a. Division of work O b. Inequality c. Technical Competence O d. Rules and Regulations O 0.
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Answer:
Germany in 1864 and grew up during the time when industrialization was transforming government, business, and society. Weber was interested in industrial capitalism, an economic system where industry is privately controlled and operated for profit. Weber wanted to know why industrial capitalism was successful in some countries and not in others. He believed that large-scale organizations such as factories and government departments were a characteristic of capitalist economies.
Weber visited the United States in 1904 to study the U.S. economy. It was here that he observed the spirit of capitalism. He noted that capitalism in the United States encouraged competition and innovation. He also realized that businesses were run by professional managers and that they were linked through economic relationships. He contrasted this with capitalistic practices in Germany where a small group of powerful people controlled the economy. In Germany, tradition dictated behaviors. People were given positions of authority based on their social standing and connections, and businesses were linked by family and social relationships.
Weber was concerned that authority was not a function of experience and ability, but won by social status. Because of this, managers were not loyal to the organization. Organizational resources were used for the benefit of owners and managers rather than to meet organizational goals. Weber was convinced that organizations based on rational authority, where authority was given to the most competent and qualified people, would be more efficient than those based on who you knew. Weber called this type of rational organization a bureaucracy.
Weber identified six characteristics or rules of a bureaucracy. They are summarized in the following table.
Six Rules of a Bureaucracy
Characteristic of the Bureaucracy Description
Hierarchical Management Structure Each level controls the levels below and is controlled by the level above. Authority and responsibilities are clearly defined for each position.
Division of Labor Tasks are clearly defined and employees become skilled by specializing in doing one thing. There is clear definition of authority and responsibility.
Formal Selection Process Employee selection and promotion are based on experience, competence, and technical qualification demonstrated by examinations, education, or training. There is no nepotism.
Career Orientation Management is separate from ownership, and managers are career employees. Protection from arbitrary dismissal is guaranteed.
Formal Rules and Regulations Rules and regulations are documented to ensure reliable and predictable behavior. Managers must depend on formal organizational rules in employee relations.
Impersonality Rules are applied uniformly to everyone. There is no preferential treatment or favoritism.
Weber thought bureaucracy would result in the highest level of efficiency, rationality, and worker satisfaction. In fact, he felt that bureaucracy was so logical that it would