Understanding Bureaucracy in Government Administration

Study Notes

Bureaucracy is an administrative organization found in various forms across many countries around the world. It refers to the system of administration within government by which people with specialized knowledge manage public affairs on behalf of the citizens they serve. There are several different models of bureaucracy, each implemented based on the needs and circumstances of the country it's used in. These different models can range from being very hierarchical, where decisions must pass through multiple layers before reaching those who make them, to more decentralized models where decision-making power is spread throughout the organization.

One specific example of a model of bureaucracy is the United States Civil Service Commission, established under President Grover Cleveland after the Civil War to protect federal workers from political patronage. This commission was critical in creating rules for hiring, firing, pay raises, promotions, removals, grievances, and performance standards among employees.

A key function of any bureaucratic structure is providing services to citizens. For instance, when we call in a police emergency, there is often a chain of command that takes our calls and puts us into contact with a member of the force; if you file your taxes online, the government has a whole department devoted to processing and reviewing these applications. Another important role of bureaucracies is setting policy and making sure its regulations are followed. In the U.S., this is done largely through executive orders, but agencies also set their own policies to implement laws passed by Congress.

Bureaucracies exist to help ensure efficient delivery of goods and services to the population. Without some kind of orderly process—some sort of structure that manages all the work that needs doing—there would simply be chaos. Bureaucracy provides a framework and system in which everyone knows what's happening, and how tasks get accomplished.

Description

Explore the concept of bureaucracy, its various models, and its role in government administration. Learn about the United States Civil Service Commission and its impact on federal worker protection. Understand the functions of bureaucratic structures in providing services to citizens, setting policies, and ensuring regulations are followed.