Bureaucracy

Definition

Bureaucracy refers to a system of government or administration managed by departments and officials, often characterized by a structured hierarchy, formal rules, and a focus on procedural correctness. It can also refer to complex administrative procedures or processes perceived as inefficient or overly complicated.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bjʊˈrɑːkrəsi/
• Respelling: byoo-RAH-kruh-see

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/
• Respelling: byoo-ROK-ruh-see

The pronunciation of "bureaucracy" differs slightly between American and British English, particularly in the vowel sounds.

Etymology

The word "bureaucracy" originates from the French term "bureaucratie," which combines "bureau" (office or desk) with the Greek suffix "-kratia" (rule or power). It entered English in the early 19th century to describe a system of government administration through offices or agencies.

Derivatives

• Bureaucratic (adjective)
• Bureaucrat (noun)
• Bureaucratically (adverb)
• Debureaucratize (verb)
• Bureaucratization (noun)

Synonyms

• Administration
• Hierarchy
• Officialdom

Antonyms

• Anarchy
• Chaos
• Flexibility

Usage

The term "bureaucracy" is widely used to describe organizational structures, particularly in government and large corporations, where there are multiple layers of authority and a strict adherence to formal rules. It is often used in discussions about efficiency, where bureaucracy may be criticized for being slow or overly procedural. However, bureaucracy can also ensure consistency and accountability within an organization.

Related Terms

• Red tape: Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to formal rules.
• Hierarchy: A system of ranking within an organization.
• Regulation: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A system of government or management by departments and officials: Refers to a structured organization where tasks are divided among various departments with a clear chain of command.
  • Example: "The national government operates through a complex bureaucracy of departments and agencies."
• Excessive or complex administrative procedures: Describes the intricate processes or formalities often perceived as unnecessary or obstructive.
  • Example: "Applying for a business license involved a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork."