Discussion 3: Intellectual Heritage
Earlier in the course, you were introduced to Max Weber. He was a German Sociologist that examined the German Army of WWI and made his observations in the famous work of Bureaucracy. He outlined several criteria inherent to bureaucracies because it is efficient. With his “Ideal Type” bureaucracy, he outlines three types of legitimate authority 1. legal authority, 2. traditional authority, and 3. charismatic authority.
Weber, also, stated “The ruled, for their part, cannot dispense with or replace the bureaucratic apparatus of authority once it exists. For this bureaucracy rests upon expert training, functional specialization of work, and an attitude set for habitual and virtuoso-like mastery of single yet methodically integrated functions. If the official stops working, or if his work is forcefully interrupted, chaos results, and it is difficult to improvise replacements from among the governed who are fit to master such chaos. This holds for public administration as well as for private economic management. More and more the material fate of the masses depends upon the steady and correct functioning of the increasingly bureaucratic organizations of private capitalism. The idea of eliminating these organizations becomes more and more utopian.”
Here is some additional information to help guide your response: https://www.zambianguardian.com/characteristics-of-bureaucracies/ (Links to an external site.)
What do you think Weber means by this statement? Was Weber correct in his assessment? Using Weber’s assessment of bureaucracy, support your response.
