SOC 101 Lecture 21: Organizational Models
4 Jul 2018
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Organizational Models
Like groups in general, formal organizations are everywhere. Thus, sociologists have been quite
interested in studying how organizations work. To learn more about how organizations operate
effectively, sociologists develop organizational models. Some models describe the actual
characteristics of organizations, while others describe the ideal characteristics for achieving their
goals. To date, no single model has adequately described the fully complex nature of
organizations in general.
Bureaucratic organizations
Max Weber noted that modern Western society has necessitated a certain type of formal
organization: bureaucracy. According to Weber, who believed that bureaucracy is the most
efficient form of organization possible, the essential characteristics of a bureaucracy include
Written regulations and rules, which maximize bureaucratic operations and
efficiency.
A highly defined hierarchy of authority, in which those higher in the hierarchy give
orders to those lower in the hierarchy. Those who work in bureaucratic settings
are called bureaucrats.
Bureaucratic authority resting in various offices or positions, not in individuals.
Employees being hired based on technical know how and performance on entry ‐
examinations.
Formal and impersonal record keeping and communications within the
organization.
A paid administrative staff.
Although a bureaucracy itself may be specialized and impersonal, bureaucrats still
retain their humanity. Within any bureaucracy, informal relationships invariably form,
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Document Summary
Like groups in general, formal organizations are everywhere. Thus, sociologists have been quite interested in studying how organizations work. To learn more about how organizations operate effectively, sociologists develop organizational models. Some models describe the actual characteristics of organizations, while others describe the ideal characteristics for achieving their goals. To date, no single model has adequately described the fully complex nature of organizations in general. Max weber noted that modern western society has necessitated a certain type of formal organization: bureaucracy. According to weber, who believed that bureaucracy is the most efficient form of organization possible, the essential characteristics of a bureaucracy include. Written regulations and rules, which maximize bureaucratic operations and efficiency. A highly defined hierarchy of authority, in which those higher in the hierarchy give orders to those lower in the hierarchy. Those who work in bureaucratic settings are called bureaucrats. Bureaucratic authority resting in various offices or positions, not in individuals.
