Analyzing Bureaucratic Structure and Operational Principles

The Foundations of Bureaucratic Efficiency

The main basis for this structure is the possibility of achieving better administrative efficiency within an economic system. Organizations that establish rules and bureaucracy must comply with regulations issued to be obeyed for work effectiveness, which is the primary objective of the organization.

Under this formalistic and monocratic standard, its members must accept the authority because they have legitimized the peak power of the entire organizational structure and system of values. This process is associated with the level of retention within the organization. However, this condition is not always met, as individuals within the company may fail to adopt these rules and act oppositionally, attempting to change the system.

Core Operational Bases of the System

The bases of operation are fed by charges laid by hierarchy and status. These bases include:

• Depersonalized Legal Authority: The system primarily possesses absolutely depersonalized legal authority, which nurtures all positions and dictates the distribution of roles, responsibilities, and authority within its structure.
• Defined by Law: That legal authority is defined, nourished, and revitalized by a number of laws, decrees, and regulations.
• Impersonal Approach: For proper functioning, people must adopt an impersonal approach, aligning with the lines set by the authority.
• Defined Offices: The offices created by the legal authority are defined by specific functions and levels of authority and responsibility.
• Officials and Status: Officials who occupy positions of high status in authority are impersonal and must follow the requirements of the legal authority.
• Staff Compliance: These positions are filled by staff status—those who follow and obey the authority level officials.
• Defined Boundaries: Each position has boundaries, where functions must be developed according to the level of authority assigned.
• Hierarchical Order: The positions have a hierarchical order that unites all of them for efficiency. The complex system is regulated by written rules and procedures.
• Reporting Failures: If something fails regarding a rule from the standpoint of the agents, they should bring the problem to superiors without being able to modify it themselves.
• Competency Requirement: Each position must be occupied by people with the ability to exercise it.
• Organizational Link: These people must have some link with the company, such as heritage or tenure.
• Non-Monopolization: No position may be monopolized by any owner and will not be for life; personnel can be removed as required by the organization.