Chapter 11

The Bureaucracy

The Nature of Bureaucracy

a large organization that is structured hierarchically to carry out specific functions

private bureaucracies exist within organizations like corporations• has a single set of leaders

public bureaucracies exist within organizations like governments• typically have multiple sets of leaders (Congress,

President, etc.)• serve citizen instead of stockholders

Models of Bureaucracy

• Weberian Model – views bureaucracies as rational, hierarchical organizations in which power flows from the top downward and decisions are based on logical reasoning

• Acquisitions Model – view top-level bureaucrats as constantly seeking to expand budgets and staff so as to maximize their own power

• Monopolistic Model – compares bureaucracies to monopolistic businesses (inefficient & costly operation)

14-6INSERT ACETATE B-4 (Selected Independent Executive Agencies)

HERE

Staffing the Bureaucracy

• Staffing the Bureaucracyo political appointeeso civil service

• History of the Federal Civil Serviceo The Spoils Systemo The Civil Service Reform Act of 1883o the merit system o the Civil Service Commissiono The Hatch Act of 1939o The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978

Modern Attempts at Bureaucratic Reform

o Sunshine Laws

o Sunset Laws

o Contracting Out

o Incentives

o Helping Whistle Blowers

Congressional Control of the Bureaucracy

o Authorizing funds

o Appropriating Funds

o Congressional Investigations, hearings and review

Hot Links to Selected Internet Resources:

• Book’s Companion Site: http://politicalscience.wadsworth.com/schmidtbrief2004

• Wadsworth’s Companion Site: http://politicalscience.wadsworth.com

• First Gov: http://www.firstgov.gov• The Federal Web Locator:

http://www.infoctr.edu/fwl