Bureaucracy: meaning, definitions and examples

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bureaucracy

[bjʊˈrɒkrəsi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. Navigating the bureaucracy for a building permit can be overwhelming. The project was delayed due to the cumbersome bureaucracy.
red-tape	Describes excessive regulation, redundant bureaucracy, or formal rules that result in delays and frustration, with a distinct negative connotation. Starting a business in this country involves too much red-tape. They had to cut through a lot of red-tape to get the project approved.
administration	Used to refer to the management or governing body of an organization, institution, or governmental position. The new administration made significant changes to the education policy. She works in the administration department of the company.
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. Reforms were met with resistance from the entrenched officialdom. People often criticize the officialdom for not understanding common people's problems.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "bureaucracy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 burocracia

🇮🇳 नौकरशाही

🇩🇪 Bürokratie

🇮🇩 birokrasi

🇺🇦 бюрократія

🇵🇱 biurokracja

🇯🇵 官僚制

🇫🇷 bureaucratie

🇪🇸 burocracia

🇹🇷 bürokrasi

🇰🇷 관료제

🇸🇦 بيروقراطية

🇨🇿 byrokracie

🇸🇰 byrokracia

🇨🇳 官僚主义

🇸🇮 birokracija

🇮🇸 skrifræði

🇰🇿 бюрократия

🇬🇪 ბიუროკრატია

🇦🇿 bürokratiya

🇲🇽 burocracia

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,464 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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