Organizations and Bureaucracies

Definition and Role

• Organizations: Institutions designed for a specific purpose with the goal of achieving maximum efficiency (e.g., USPS, McDonald's, Time Warner Cable).

Types of Organizations

1. Utilitarian Organizations
   • Members are paid for their efforts (e.g., businesses, government jobs, universities).
2. Normative Organizations
   • Members come together through shared goals (e.g., religious groups, MADD).
   • Characterized by a positive sense of unity and purpose.
3. Coercive Organizations
   • Membership is not by choice (e.g., prisons, military).
   • Highly structured with strict rules.

Bureaucracy in Organizations

• Bureaucracy: Rule, structure, and ranking that guide organizations.
  • Seen as a mechanism for achieving efficiency.
  • Sociological perspective differs from the negative everyday connotation.
• Bureaucratization: The process by which an organization becomes increasingly governed by law and policy.
  • Example: Changes in customer service with multiple menu options.

Iron Rule of Oligarchy

• Even democratic organizations tend to become governed by a select few over time.
  • Leaders may cling to power.
  • Leaders might have unique skills or knowledge.

McDonaldization

• Policies of fast food organizations dominate other sectors of American society.
• Principles: Efficiency, calculability, predictability, control.
  • Impact seen in medicine, education, entertainment, etc.
  • Example: Standardization in movie theaters (e.g., ticket systems, concession stands, pre-show entertainment).

Conclusion

• McDonaldization and bureaucratization have both positive and negative effects.
• Important to recognize these processes in society.