I see bureaucracy in force when the focus of our work is abiding by a specific time window (730 a.m. 430 p.m.), instead of achieving specific and measureable goals in pursuit of strategic objectives. God help you if you're late, but it's okay to sit around all day with nothing to do.
The bureaucratic attitude that I experience the most is that which leads my supervisor to impose/interject himself into the decisions I make about the activities of my work section. I also see it when I am asked to provide insight for a decision, but then that decision is stalled or deferred to the next higher supervisor. Then after some time, the issue is forgotten, then remembered, then the same information is requested and the cycle begins anew.
Hi Jeremiah, you're so right to point out that one of the problems with bureaucracy is its excessive focus on formalities at the expense of substance. Sure, it's great to have some predictability and standards in how the organization operates, but often these become ends in themselves. And as they become the routine, people stop questioning whether they really make sense...
Your other point about decision-making is also quite interesting... curious to get your thoughts on the impact this has on the organization's ability to act and make good decision (as well as on the satisfaction of the people working inside!)
thanks again
Michele
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