What Are the Problems of Bureaucracy?
The main problems of bureaucracy are stiff rules and regulations, impersonality, customer dissatisfaction, slow decision making and limited capabilities of workers. In bureaucracy, selected individuals are the decision makers instead of elected authorities and representatives.
The problems associated with bureaucracy in turn lead to the emergence of conflicts within the systems due to lack of control. A red tape system is unsuitable for addressing issues in unexpected situations. The world is ever changing and needs swift decision making and reaction. Rigidity in the operation of bureaucratic systems also causes a waste of resources through duplication of duties in different areas and missed opportunities. It makes simple tasks and procedures complicated, and it eventually lacks the desired goals.
One of the main characteristics of bureaucracy is that the system has a distinct hierarchy defining the roles of every individual. In addition, there is intensive division of labor in tasks assignment, which follow set formal rules. These roles are specialized, limited and overseen by a senior person. Often bureaucracy implements the laws of the state, handles the routine paperwork of government operations, and designs rules and regulations that layout daily implementation of laws.
