The Nature of Leadership And Bureaucracy- GMGM 5063

UUM COLLEGE OF LAW, GOVERNMENT AND
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA
(SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT)
FIRST SEMESTER
2021/2022 (A211)
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
GMGM 5063
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
ASSIGNMENT TITLE:
THE NATURE OF LEADERSHIP
(LEADERSHIP AND BUREAUCRACY)
PREPARED FOR:
DR. SAKINAH MUSLIM
PREPARED BY:
ROPNIESHWARI A/P MAHADEVAN
(s829283)
LIST OF CONTENT
CONTENT PAGE
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1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 The Origin Story 1
1.2 Definition of Bureaucratic Leadership 2
2.0 Theories Shaping Bureaucratic Leadership 3
2.1 Authority Hierarchy 4
2.2 Formal Rules and Regulation 5
2.3 Job Specialization 5
2.4 Impersonality 6
2.5 Career Orientation 6
2.6 Formal Selection 6-7
3.0 Constituents of Bureaucratic Leadership 7
3.1 Fixed Official Duties 8
3.2 Hierarchy of Authority 8
3.3 Technical Expertise 8
3.4 System of Rules 9
3.5 Written Documentation 9
4.0 Advantages and Disadvantages of Bureaucratic Leadership 9
4.1 Advantages 9-10
4.2 Disadvantages 11
5.0 Final Thoughts 12
References 13
1.0 Introduction
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In 1947, Max Weber proposed bureaucratic leadership as one of several leadership
styles. According to Callahan et al (2017), bureaucratic is a command and control
management style and defined in which subordinates are compelled to follow particular
rules including authority structures that have been created by superiors. To put it another
way, these leaders follow official rules established by higher-ups within the organization.
The bureaucratic leadership style is highlighted on an organization's administrative
demands (Mulder, P. 2017). Generally, team members and divisions in both the corporate
and public sectors utilise this nature of management method. In the public sector,
however, it is primarily employed to achieve the desired results, which is dependent on
consistency and strict obedience to rules and regulations (Wren et al, 2009). However,
there are distinguishing characteristics that set the bureaucratic leadership style apart from
others used by organizations worldwide. In this leadership setup, leaders establish a level
of isolation for the labour needs that teams must complete (Wren et al, 2009).
1.1 The Origin Story
Figure 1: Max Weber
In accordance to Kumar, R. (2016), the concept of bureaucratic leadership was
developed by Max Weber, the sociologist who invented the phrase "transactional
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leadership." He grew up during the industrial revolution and observed the movement of
civilization toward more structure, from heavy industry to expansive farms. Kumar, R.
(2016) had further specified that, Max Weber had advanced this concept in response to a
growing desire for a much more effective strategy of administering these groups, which
had traditionally relied on favouritism.
1.2 Definition of Bureaucratic Leadership
The term "bureaucracy" does not always bring a grin to one's face. Bureaucratic
leadership is one of the oldest forms of leadership in the world, despite its negative
connotations and shady reputation (Kumar, R. 2016). Rule-based systems have been
shown to be an effective way to govern and organise communities (Callahan, R. F.,
2017). The term bureaucracy encapsulates some of the leadership model's core traits.
Cambridge dictionaries define bureaucracy as "a system for managing a nation,
corporation, or organisation that is administered by a vast number of personnel employed
to follow regulations meticulously". The phrase originated in French, where bureau
means "office" or "desk," and kratia means "power" or "authority" in Greek (Kumar, R.
2016). Administrative power is therefore fundamentally "the office power". Throughout
the history of the bureaucratic system's use and the various ways in which the model has
been established, three essential features have remained constant (Bolman & Deal, 2008).
These include the following:
 Officialism - The systems lack initiative and adaptability.
 Red tape - Compliance with legislation and formalities is a high priority.
 Proliferation - The systems have a proclivity for fast expansion.
Despite its negative connotations, bureaucracy has historically played a critical role in
governing countries. Throughout history, bureaucratic structures have been reformed and
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