Bureaucratically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bureaucratically
[bjʊˌrɒkrəˈtɪkli ]
Definition
in government or other organizations
In a manner characteristic of or resembling a bureaucracy, especially in administration; in a way that involves complicated rules and procedures.
Synonyms
administratively, officially, procedurally.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bureaucratically |
When describing an action or process that involves complex or excessive administrative procedures, often implying inefficiency or red tape.
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| officially |
When something is done in a formal manner or recognized by authority. This word is used to give information formal recognition.
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| administratively |
When referring to something related to the administrative functions or management of an organization. This word is neutral and used in a broad context.
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| procedurally |
When describing actions or processes that strictly follow a set procedure or method. Often used in technical, legal, or organizational contexts to emphasize adherence to specific steps.
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Examples of usage
- He filled out the form bureaucratically, following every step in the process.
- The decision was made bureaucratically, with multiple levels of approval required.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- The rise of bureaucratic systems coincided with the emergence of modern nation-states in the 18th century.
- Max Weber, a German sociologist, introduced the concept of bureaucracy as a way to understand organizational structure and behavior.
- Historically, monarchies relied on bureaucratic systems to manage large empires effectively.
Pop Culture
- Bureaucracy often appears in films and books as a comedic element showing how frustrating it can be to deal with too many rules.
- Television shows like 'The Office' highlight the quirky yet tedious aspects of working in a bureaucratic environment.
- Satirical literature, such as the works of Franz Kafka, often critiques bureaucratic systems through absurdity.
Psychology
- Research indicates that strong bureaucratic structures can lead to decreased employee morale due to rigid hierarchies.
- Bureaucratic red tape is linked to frustration and stress for employees and clients alike.
- Studies in organizational behavior show that clear processes can enhance efficiency but may stifle creativity.
Global Perspectives
- Different cultures have varying approaches to bureaucracy; for example, some may favor more hierarchical systems, while others encourage flexibility.
- In Scandinavian countries, there is often a push for less bureaucratic intervention in favor of self-governing practices to promote efficiency.
- Emerging economies are re-evaluating bureaucratic systems to balance necessary regulation with speed and innovation.
Origin of 'bureaucratically'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the French word 'bureau,' meaning desk or office, combined with 'cratique,' which relates to governance.
- Initially, the word described a system of administration but evolved to imply sometimes slow processes due to too many rules.
- It gained popularity in the early 20th century as governments grew more complex.
The word 'bureaucratically' is derived from the noun 'bureaucracy', which comes from the French word 'bureaucratie'. The term originated in the early 19th century to describe a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives. Over time, 'bureaucracy' has evolved to refer to any large administrative system characterized by excessive red tape, rigid hierarchy, and excessive procedures. 'Bureaucratically' is the adverb form of 'bureaucracy', often used to describe actions or processes that are bureaucratic in nature.
See also: bureaucrats.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,129, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.