What is the Bureaucracy Theory of Management?

Bureaucracy theory looks at the organizational structure and environment for methods of increasing productivity. 

Who Developed Bureaucracy Theory? 

The Bureaucracy Theory of management is attributed to management theorist Max Weber (1864 – 1920). 

How is Bureaucracy Theory Applied? 

Weber proposed dividing organizations into a clear hierarchy with detailed rules establishing strong chains of authority. 

He proposed that labor be divided along these hierarchies with the only impersonal relationships between them. The individual worker reports to a single manager. 

Further, he proposed the need for detailed standards or operating procedures to govern all routine tasks. Taken together, these attributes could simplify organizational operations. 

Bureaucracy Theory and the Individual Worker

Central to Weber’s theory is the individual worker. The organizational structure and rules must serve to control and promote the abilities of the individual. It gives rise to a specialized workforce of trained administrative personnel. 

Modern Bureaucracy Theory

The bureaucratic theory maintains a strong influence on organizational structure today. The primary difference is that today’s organizations are generally less impersonal. Also, performance and productivity are judged based upon rule-based activity with promotion deriving from one’s merit. 

The bureaucracy theory contains attributes that later gave rise to the scientific and administrative management approaches.

Related Concepts

• Major Management Theories
• Scientific Theory of Management
• Administrative Theory of Management
• Chaos Theory
• Human Relations Theory
• Contemporary Management Theories