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This document examines the structure of bureaucracy and attempts to explain why it dysfunctions. Based on secondary sources, Robert K. Merton tries to show that bureaucracy can not be very effective in practice as it creates over-conformity and trained incapacity. The personalities of people clash with the bureaucratic structure and so the ideal bureaucracy can not exist. Merton brings to light the sources of over conformity, so in view of this, another aim of the article would be for us to come up with its possible solution. Bureaucracy comprises of a formal, rationally organised social structure with a hierarchy and clear-cut divisions governed by rules, to efficiently achieve the goals of an organisation. The formality within the organisation reduces private conflicts and stabilises interactions between different departments. The bureaucrats are appointed and they command the authority and privileges associated with their office, to carry out specific duties. Bureaucracies control the bureaucrats by providing the tools by which people need to work and live, which bureaucrats no longer own. Therefore, long tenures of bureaucratic offices is expected regardless of external factors. For bureaucracy to succeed, discipline of following routines is necessary.
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