Bureaucracy

Defining A “Bureaucracy

”

“Bureaucrats” Pros & Cons

Example Bureaucracy EXIT The FEDERAL

Bureaucracy

What is a Bureaucracy?

There are three major parts to a bureaucracy…

A bureaucracy is a SPECIALIZED,

HIERARCHICAL structure that handles the everyday business of an

organization according to pre-established REGULATIONS.

Job Specialization

Workers within a bureaucracy are given certain defined

duties and responsibilities. This results in a precise

division of labor throughout the organization.

Hierarchical Authority

Bureaucracies are organized by a pyramid shaped chain of command, or hierarchy, that

runs from the top to the bottom.

At the top, there are a few officials that have authority over those in a bigger middle level

who, in turn, direct those at the bottom.

Formalized Rules

Work that is done by thebureaucracy is done so

accordingto a set of established

regulationsand procedures.

Bureaucrats

Any person who works for a bureaucratic organization can

be given the title “bureaucrat,” from the head of the organization to the

bottommost workers.

Bureaucracy:Pros & Cons

Pros Cons

Pros of a Bureaucracy

• Its three features make the bureaucracy the most effective way for people to work together on large and complex tasks.

• The hierarchy reduces conflict over who has the power to make decisions.

• Job specialization promotes efficiency because each worker is required to focus on one particular job.

• Formalized rules allow workers to perform with speed and precision because decisions are made by following specific standards.

Cons of a Bureaucracy

• Dealing with a bureaucracy often leads to obstacles, or “red tape.” In the past, bureaucrats used red ribbon to hold together their files. Today, the term “red tape” refers to the amount of delays and paperwork often faced when working with a bureaucracy.

• The hierarchy can make the simplest decision complex due to the chain of command in which orders must be made. Orders often have to travel up and down the chain before any progress can be made.

• Division of labor compartmentalizes attention and response.

• Rules and regulations are not very helpful when unexpected situations arise within the bureaucracy.

Example Bureaucracy:

DAHS

Who?

What?

Where?

Why?

How?

DAHS: Who?

• Hierarchy – Superintendant > School Board > Principal > Vice Principal > Teachers > Students

• Job Specialization – Students =Learn, Teachers = Instruct, Principals = Evaluate Teachers, etc.

• Formalized Rules – Established by upper tier of hierarchy, entire bureaucracy applies to regulations

DAHS: What?

• Hierarchy – provides chain of command for policy/curriculum/ staffing/etc. decisions to be made

• Job Specialization – allows greater focus of content in specific areas of instruction

• Formalized Rules – regulate the day-to-day functions of entire organization (dress code, curriculum, etc.)

DAHS: Where?

• Hierarchy – decisions travel from the top down, while suggestions travel from the bottom up

• Job Specialization – daily work done at classroom level, more administrative work done elsewhere

• Formalized Rules – found in school district policy handbook

DAHS: Why?

• Hierarchy – less conflict and more order when decisions are being made

• Job Specialization – work performed more efficiently with greater focus and attention to detail

• Formalized Rules – no confusion of right or wrong way to conduct the everyday work

DAHS: How?

• Hierarchy – provides a sturdy structure to a complex organization • Job Specialization – compartmentalizes duties between various workers and officials

• Formalized Rules – provide a constant certainty to the ethics and principles behind decisions

The Federal Bureaucracy

Why It Matters

How It’s Organized

“The Name Game”

Why The Federal Bureaucracy Matters• Jobs/Employment – With about 2.7 million workers, the federal bureaucracy is the largest employer in the United States.

• Primary Purpose – The federal bureaucracy is designed to help our nation’s government efficiently carry out its day-to-day business AND to help the President uphold his powers as Chief Executive.

WITHOUT THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY, ALL THE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS IN OUR NATION WOULD BE

NOTHING MORE THAN WORDS ON PIECES OF PAPER

“The Name Game”

Agencies within the federal bureaucracy are given certain titles that match their function. These titles help keep the complex bureaucracy a little more organized.

Department = Cabinet agencies Agency = general title for any gov’t body

Administration = similar to agency Commission = regulate business activity

Corporation = conduct business-like activity

Authority = similar to corporation

How It’s Organized

The Executive Branch

The Legislative

Branch

The Judicial Branch

The federal bureaucracy is found in all three branches of the government through various agencies and

organizations. However, 90% of the bureaucracy exists within the ExecutiveBbranch.

Why do you suppose the bulk of the bureaucracy is located on the Executive Branch? (Think back to the

primary purposes)

Legislative Bureaucracy

• Most important features of the legislative bureaucracy are the two houses of Congress.

• Other Legislative Offices and Departments• Architect of the Capitol• General Accounting Office• Government Printing Office• Library of Congress• United States Botanic Garden• Office of Technology Assessment• Congressional Budget Office• Copyright Royalty Tribunal• United States Tax Court

Judicial Bureaucracy

• Most important feature of the judicial bureaucracy is the US Supreme Court.

• Other Courts:• Courts of Appeals• District Courts• Federal Claims Court• Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit• Court of International Trade• Territorial Courts• Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims• Administrative Office of the United States• Federal Judicial Center

Executive Bureaucracy

At the head of the executive bureaucracy resides the President. Administration within the executive bureaucracy is divided into three key branches:

Executive Departments

Executive Office of the

President

Independent Agencies

Executive Office of the President

• The Executive Office of the President (EOP) acts as the President’s right arm.

• The EOP is an umbrella agency composed of several different agencies that are headed by some of the President’s closest advisors.• Key agencies within the EOP: White House Office, National Security Council,

Office of Management and Budget.----------------------------------------------

• The EOP provides the President support in the formation and execution of our nation’s public policies

•The White House Office acts as the “nerve center” for the EOP; most of the work done in the executive bureaucracy happen here.

• The National Security Council is headed by the President and staffed by his closest advisors. This agency’s main duty is to aid the President in all matters affecting national security.

Executive Departments

•There are 15 executive departments which are collectively known as the Cabinet: State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, Education, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security

• The head of each department is given the title secretary. (Department of Justice = attorney general)

• Each secretary acts both as a primary link between the President (frequent meetings) and his/her own department and as the head of their given department.

• Cabinet departments carry out much of the work of the federal government.

Independent Agencies

• Independent agencies exist are additional agencies that exist outside of the other executive departments.

• Over 150 independent agencies exist in the federal bureaucracy, and some of them rival Cabinet departments in budget size, number of employees and functions.

•Reasons for independent agencies:• organization may not fit well in departmental

structure• protection from partisan politics• some agencies originally thought to be temporary