Bureaucratic organisations see efficiency as imperative, and they achieve in through hierarchy, written rules of conduct, promotion based on achievement and division of labour (Samson & Daft, 2005). By using Suburban Newspapers Limited, an Auckland based Newspaper Company; this essay will contextualize Weber’s principles and demonstrate how they have been adapted to this particular organisation. Focusing on the principle that “labour should be divided with clear definitions of authority” (Samson & Daft, 2005, Pg. 57) and the principle that “positions are organised in a hierarchy of authority” (Samson & Daft, 2005, Pg. 57) it will show the Weber’s principles can be adequately adapted to this public service enterprise.
The principle that “labour should be divided with clear definitions of authority” (Samson & Daft, 2005, Pg.57) gives employees the ability to “perform standardised activities in a highly efficient manner” (Robbins & Barnwell, 2002, Pg. 115). Division of labour promotes efficiency because it means that employees can specialise in a particular task, and know it in full depth (Nelson, 1995). Having a great knowledge in a particular field would mean that employees could perform these tasks quicker and more efficiently. Greater efficiency would me more productivity, and therefore more profit for the business.
The second part of Weber’s principle is that there should be “clear definitions of authority.” (Samson & Daft, 2005, Pg. 57). Definitions of authority can be shown through “Formal rules and standard operating procedures that govern activities, and are specified in written documents and files. (Ancona & Gladstein, 1999, Pg.12). Have specified rules in place and procedures that are written down, means tha ...