Bureaucracy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bureaucracy
[bjʊˈrɒkrəsi ]
Definition
government
Bureaucracy refers to a system of administration characterized by excessive red tape, rigid hierarchy, and slow decision-making processes. It often involves complex rules and regulations that can hinder efficiency and innovation.
Synonyms
administration, officialdom, red-tape.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bureaucracy |
Typically refers to a system of government or organizational structure characterized by many rules, regulations, and a hierarchy of authority, often with a negative connotation regarding inefficiencies or excessive paperwork.
|
| red-tape |
Describes excessive regulation, redundant bureaucracy, or formal rules that result in delays and frustration, with a distinct negative connotation.
|
| administration |
Used to refer to the management or governing body of an organization, institution, or governmental position.
|
| officialdom |
Refers to those in positions of authority or officials in a high-ranking position, often carrying a slightly negative connotation of being out of touch or stuck in rigid procedures.
|
Examples of usage
- The bureaucracy of the government makes it difficult for citizens to navigate the system.
- She had to wade through the bureaucracy to get approval for her project.
- The bureaucracy of the organization stifles creativity and initiative.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Bureaucratic systems can be traced back to ancient Egypt where scribes and administrators managed treasury and agriculture.
- The Roman Empire had a complex bureaucracy that helped govern vast territories efficiently, introducing the idea of professional civil service.
- In the 20th century, Max Weber, a sociologist, outlined a model of bureaucracy emphasizing hierarchy, rules, and impersonal relationships.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures have unique bureaucratic practices; e.g., Japan emphasizes harmony and consensus, while American systems prioritize efficiency.
- In some countries, bureaucracy can be viewed as a barrier to swift governance, while others see it as a necessary structure for stability.
- Modern critiques express discomfort with bureaucracies in popular media, depicting them as slow, confusing, or overly complex.
Modern Application
- With the rise of technology, e-governance initiatives strive to reduce bureaucratic overhead by digitizing processes.
- Organizations now use agile methodologies to counteract rigid bureaucratic practices, fostering innovation and adaptability.
- International bodies like the United Nations rely on bureaucratic frameworks to manage global issues and deliver aid efficiently.
Psychology
- Individuals often experience 'bureaucratic alienation', feeling disconnected from the system due to overwhelming rules and procedures.
- The 'Peter Principle' suggests that people in bureaucratic systems are promoted based on their performance until they reach a level of incompetence.
- Decision fatigue can occur in bureaucracies, where the sheer number of choices and protocols leads to decreased effectiveness.
Origin of 'bureaucracy'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the French word 'bureau', meaning desk or office, combined with '-cracy', meaning rule or government.
- It was first used in the early 18th century, influenced by the expansion of government and administration in Europe.
- The concept relates to the management structure originally developed during the rise of modern nation-states.
The word 'bureaucracy' originated in the early 19th century from the French word 'bureaucratie', which was derived from the French bureau (desk or office) and the Greek suffix -kratia (power or rule). The concept of bureaucracy has evolved over time, with its modern meaning reflecting a complex administrative system often associated with inefficiency and excessive formalities.
See also: bureau, bureaucrat, bureaucratic.