< >A hierarchical structure, characterized by a chain-of-command management syst

Question

< >A hierarchical structure, characterized by a chain-of-command management system

Management by written, well-established rules followed by all

Organization by functional specialty, with expertise residing in different units of the organization

The purposeful, impersonal conduct of work – there should be no place for personal agendas and politics when conducting the organization’s work efforts

Hiring and promotion of personnel based on technical qualifications – nepotism, favoritism, bias toward some employees and discrimination against others should be avoided

Why is it important that governments adhere to these principles and traits? Focus on two of the principles listed above, and show why it is necessary to follow them. Identify at least two traits of bureaucrats that flow from these principles (One-half page to one full-page response, single spaced.)

Explanation / Answer

An organisation is comprised of large number of individuals. Each of these individuals are different to one another. They may have cultural differences, geographical differences, differences in skill set, knowledge, experience, aspirations, personal and professional objectives, etc. The success of an organisation largely depends on the combined functioning of all these individuals that work in the organisation. Given the huge diversity at the workplace, it is essential for the organisations to have well-established rules and policies that has to be followed by every employee in the system. These rules and policies narrates the acceptable and non-acceptable ways of doing things and how the functioning should be conducted on a day-to-day basis to achieve organisational goals. Another aspect of the organisation’s success lies in the manner in which the personnel are hired and promoted in the company.

The process of hiring new human resource should be highly streamlined with well defined parameters of identifying the best candidate suited for the vacant position. Managers responsible for hiring should judge the candidates only on the basis of their talent and skill set - be it managerial skills, technical skills or other organisational skills. When the candidates are chosen on the basis of their knowledge and capabilities, it makes the workplace more productive and enhances the organisation’s efficiency as each hired employee is then capable of contributing to the growth of the organisation. Managers should ensure that they do not resort to unfavourable and unacceptable tendencies like nepotism, favouritism, or any kind of biasness towards any of their sub-ordinate. It is human nature to like some people and dislike others. The likeness usually happens when two people share common attributes, interests or objectives. The favouritism in organisation by the managers is normally in the form of:

- Providing choice of work shifts, choice of projects to their favourite employees

- Granting leaves or option to leave early to some people while rejecting to others

- Providing unfair and unequal work opportunities

- Providing onsite work opportunities to chosen few

Because of the presence of favouritism in organisations, the organisation suffers in many ways. The monetary losses happens when the incapable and less skilled employees are assigned to critical projects or the projects that are of high importance. When they are not able to deliver and meet client’s expectations in the longer term, it results in the dissatisfaction of the client resulting into the loss of business. In addition to the monetary losses, organisations also suffer reputation loss as the dissatisfied client will convey its bad experience with other prospective clients in the industry. Favouritism and nepotism not only leads to monetary and reputation loss, but it also impacts the workplace environment and discourages talented and knowledgable employees from doing quality work. It brings negativity in the organisation. Therefore, managers should always be aware of their actions. Most of the time favouritism happens unknowingly, subconsciously and gradually it becomes a part of the organisation.

Government organisations are more prone to above discussed inequalities and therefore, people in authority in the government organisations should be even more careful and take corrective actions frequently when any sort of anomaly is observed. Bureaucrats have a tendency to function in strong corporate structure. A hierarchical structure, that is characterised by a chain-of-command management system. Having a well defined management structure and commanding attitude of bureaucrats have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The bright side is that officers and sub-ordinates at the bottom of the hierarchy have clear understanding of whose guidelines they have to follow and have a single point of reference for guidance and queries (if any). Although, a strict and vertical organisation structure many a times leads to slow processing of information and affects the decision making process. Bureaucrats are often found guilty of putting their personal agendas ahead of the organisational objectives resulting in corruption and unhealthy/unethical practices at the workplace. Politics in government organisations is also a very common phenomenon and no government employee can deny or ignore the presence of politics. Therefore, it becomes all the more important for government to adhere to the organisational principles and positive work traits. It should incorporate policies and practices that discourages politics and corruption in the organisation. Work environment should be such that it encourages free flow of ideas, productive brainstorming sessions and thus, meeting the organisational goals.

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