Competing organizations will seek to limit the extent of the other's influence. A strong organizational culture heightens the difficulty of compromise. As Drezner writes, "compromise implies the acceptance of other beliefs and values, which can prove anathema to bureaucrats who genuinely believe that their ideas are superior" (737). Institutional leaders must carefully analyze the benefits of compromise, as any deal that goes against the organization's values will hurt morale. On other hand, an embedded agency has their unique set of advantages and disadvantages. An embedded organization has greater access to resources and information. They also possess the ability to influence other organizations to their unique point-of-view. They can bargain and increase their clout while promoting their own agenda. However, embedded organizations are not at liberty to create their own organizational culture especially if they are within a larger bureaucratic organization with their own beliefs and norms. Agency leaders cannot build an organizational culture consistent with their founding principles. However, this gives them more leeway in regards to making compromises.

Drezner uses the Peace Corps as the primary example of an insulated missionary institution. It was created with the founding notions of reducing poverty and promoting development through direct action (740). This insulation...

It had some successes during its formative years, sending volunteers all over the world, particularly throughout Asia and Africa. Their dedication to their beliefs caused friction with other organizations, which was ultimately to their detriment. This was evident during the Vietnam War. The Peace Corps was as Drezner says, too small and narrow an organization to have any significant impact and more importantly, unable to change U.S. policy on aid (742). The organization's dedication to direct commitment limited its ability to change foreign policy on a grander scale. Ultimately, the Peace Corps survived, firmly dedicated to their ideals but could not influence other agencies.
Drezner makes interesting and compelling arguments in his article. An organization that refuses to compromise faces the reality of limited influence. These embedded organizations survive due to their dedicated members that remain steadfast to the foundational ideals. An organization that is part of a larger bureaucracy is at jeopardy of losing sight of its mission statement with the benefit of being able to exert a greater sphere of influence.

Works Cited

Drezner, Daniel W.. "Ideas, Bureaucratic Politics, and the Crafting of Foreign Policy." American Journal of Political Science 44.4 (2000): 733. Print.