Bureaucratic leadership can be defined as a system of management that follows a hierarchy where official duties are fixed. Employees in this form of leadership are expected to follow specific rules and authority created by their superiors. Bureaucratic leadership is based on a clear chain of command, stringent regulations, and follower conformity. The above definition and the word bureaucracy itself is enough to put us off. The general negative view of administration and autocratic workings does not help the case, this is true, but the bureaucratic leadership framework has proven to be a reliable method of governing organisations with many organisations using it to their advantage.
So, how can bureaucratic leadership still be beneficial?
Bureaucratic leadership systems can be of advantage for highly surveilled businesses where the entire organization pivots on efficient management. Workspaces that do not necessarily require innovation, problem-solving, or creativity can employ this style of leadership to their advantage.
Core qualities of bureaucratic leadership
German political economist and sociologist Maximilian Weber was influential in shaping the concept. He believed that bureaucratic leadership was a means to obtain maximum efficiency. As a result of his observation of how society was transitioning into more large scale production (larger factories and cooperations), he propounded six core tenets in his theory:
Specialisation
Specific duties and roles could only be performed when employees have sound knowledge and skills regarding the same. A skilled workforce is important for work to be carried out. The system, therefore, focuses on putting the right person in the appropriate position.
Hierarchical structure
Bureaucratic leadership follows a strict and formal hierarchy with rigid and definite arrangements between people and departments with regard to the work and flow of instructions. The chain of command flows downwards with important decisions being taken and relayed to subordinates. Administrators and managers can allocate duties and relay information to help maintain efficiency and lucidity in the organization and also hold employees accountable with set goals.
Impersonality
The goals and objectives of the organization are achieved collectively. Bureaucratic leadership emphasizes less on individual contributions and more on the performance of the organization as a whole. As opposed to some other leadership styles that promote strong-headed leadership or like-minded individuals, Bureaucratic leadership is impersonal. Individual personalities take a back seat with consistency, performance, and equality being given more focus.
Division of labor
Tasks and responsibilities need to be well demarcated and segregated among employees to avoid ambiguity. This, in turn, will improve the efficiency of the organization with specific task allocation being given paramount importance.
