The Advantage and Disadvantage of Bureaucracy

Learn what you need share what you know

The word bureaucracy was established in the 18^th century, and it stems from the word: (a). “Bureau” means writing desk in the work place, and (b). Kratia or Kratos means power or rule. Maximilian Carl Emil Weber (Max Weber, 1846-1920) who is a German political economist and sociologist wrote about the tripartite distinction of bureaucracy and those are included (1) Charismatic domination that is related to leadership and personality quality, (2) Traditional function that is related to patrimonalism, feudalism, tradition and custom, and (3) legal domination that is related to modern law, state, bureaucracy and legality. In relation to this, the main concept of bureaucracy is that it is division of labor, authority of hierarchy, formal selection, formal rules and regulations, impersonality, and career orientation. Although bureaucracy is considered to be good in during that period, it provides both pros and cons (Stephen Carter):

A. The advantages of bureaucracy:

- To alert observers about the social weakness

- To be a warning sign to the problem

- To provide services

B. The disadvantage of bureaucracy

- To monopolize discursive space

- To waste resources (tax revenue)

- To embrace revolutionary ideologies

- To distrust the democratic impulse

- To be above the law

- To fail to provide original services

- To subvert the society's values

- To be red tape

                                                                Sam Aun (Andy)