Max Weber
Remember that Weber was writing in the early 20th century, before the
world was deeply embedded in bureaucracy. His contribution to
understanding bureaucracy are tremendous. Further, he saw both
the strengths and weaknesses of bureaucracy. Prior to this
organizational development, nepotism was endemic. Jobs were given
based on you class position not knowledge.
Weber argues that bureaucracies have six characteristics:
These are I-VI.
So, bureaucracies can be advantageous because in the “ideal type”
positions are supposed to be based on knowledge, expertise, fairness
(rules are applied to everyone), etc.
Yet, in the second half of the essay, Weber acknowledges that
bureaucracies are not “ideal types.” People get positions
based on party affiliation, class position, status. Sometimes the
tenure of a position can lead to these individuals slacking.
Frederick Taylor
He claims high wages and detailed control of each activity will help
prevent soldiering and increase productivity. What is his
assumption of human nature? How will high wages and control
help?
Elton Mayo
What conclusion does Mayo make about the experiments at Western
Electric?