Bureaucracy

Working within a large bureaucracy can be at once frightening and comforting, frustrating and easy. Three of the advantages of working within a large bureaucracy include role differentiation, anonymity, and clarity of procedures, rules, and regulations. For example, because of the hierarchical structure of the organization, employees know their roles. Role conflict and job task confusion is relatively rare in organizations with strict hierarchical structures because each individual performs a specific set of tasks and reports to specific supervisors. Working within a large bureaucracy also affords a level of anonymity not available to those who work in smaller companies. Employees who prefer to keep their professional and personal lives separate, for example, might prefer the anonymity of the large corporate structure. Finally, large bureaucracies are renown for their "red tape," the rules, official procedures, and paperwork that comes with the territory. However annoying it can be at times, such red tape can minimize internal disputes and prevent mistakes.

The disadvantages of working within a large bureaucracy often stem from the same features that make working in a bureaucracy enjoyable. Therefore, the three disadvantages of working within a large bureaucracy are the same as the advantages: role differentiation, anonymity, and red tape. For instance, strict role differentiation can lead to job dissatisfaction and boredom. Employees might not be able to make changes to their position, to move into other positions, or to suggest new ways of doing things. Supervisors might pigeonhole employees, which would prevent them from making the career changes they desire. Second, the anonymity might seem stifling for some employees. Too much distance between the employee and his or her supervisors or coworkers can impart a sense of loneliness, frustration, and job dissatisfaction. Finally, the same rules and procedures that can come in handy at large bureaucracies can also be a major disadvantage. Paperwork is often redundant and unnecessarily time-consuming; official procedures might be ineffective but the employee is powerless to suggest alternatives.