Transcript Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth
Approach 7/e
James M. Henslin
Chapter Seven: Bureaucracy and
Formal Organizations
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
The Rationalization of Society
“The idea that efficiency and practical results
should dominate human affairs.”
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Why Did Society Change?
Prior—Traditional Orientation
Past Best Guide for Present
Post—Industrialization
Rationality—Most Efficient Going
Forward
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Why Did Society Change?
Marx: Capitalism Broke Tradition
Weber: Religion Broke Tradition
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
What Are Formal Organizations?
“Secondary groups designed to
achieve specific objectives.”
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Formal Organizations
and Bureaucracy
Five Characteristics of Bureaucracies
1. Clear Levels
2. Division of Labor
3. Written Rules
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Formal Organizations
and Bureaucracy
4. Written Communication and Records
5. Impersonality
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Formal Organizations
and Bureaucracy
“Ideal” vs. “Real” Bureaucracy
Extent of Bureaucracy—A Matter of
Degree
Ideal vs. Actual Organizational Chart
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Dysfunctions of Bureaucracies
Red Tape
Lack of Communication Between Units
Bureaucratic Alienation
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Dysfunctions of Bureaucracies
Resisting Alienation
The Alienated Bureaucrat
Bureaucratic Incompetence
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Formal Organizations
and Bureaucracy
Goal Displacement
Perpetuation of Bureaucracies
Social Significance of Bureaucracies
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Voluntary Associations
Functions of Voluntary Associations
Advance Particular Interests
Offer People Identity
Govern Nations and Maintain Social Order
These Apply to All or Most Voluntary
Associations
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Voluntary Associations
Functions of Voluntary Associations
Mediate Between Government and Individuals
Help Individuals Climb Occupational Ladder
Bring People into Political Mainstream
Pave Way for Social Change
These Apply to Only Some Voluntary Associations
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Voluntary Associations
Shared Interests
Motivations for Joining Differ
Experience High Turnover
The Problem of Oligarchy
Leaders Grow Distant from Members
The “Inner Group”
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Working for the Corporation
Stereotypes
The “Hidden” Corporate Culture
Hidden Values
Self-Fulfilling Prophesies
Achievement Level Affects Behavior
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Humanizing the Corporate Culture
Develop Rather than Impede Potential
Access to Opportunities
Distribute Power More Evenly
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Humanizing the Corporate Culture
Work Teams
Corporate Day Care
Employee Stock Ownership
Quality Circles
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Working for the Corporation
The Conflict Perspective
Technology and Control of Workers
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
U.S. and Japanese Corporations
How They Differ
Hiring and Promoting
Lifetime Security
Almost Total Involvement
Decision-Making by Consensus
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Chapter 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
U.S. and Japanese Corporations
Myth vs. Reality
Differences Generally True
However, Changes Afoot
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