bureaucracy
Bureaucracy describes an organizational system implemented to manage a government agency or institution. The word comes from “bureau” (meaning "writing desk" in old French) and “cracy” (meaning "power" in Latin).
The historical meaning of the term refers to a body of non-elected government officials but is nowadays understood as an administrative system used by corporations and public institutions. Colloquially, bureaucracy is often used in reference to excessive procedural rules or red tape that slows down administrative processes.
As defined by German sociologist Max Weber , a bureaucracy is a form of general organization characterized by the majority of rules and procedures applied impersonally by specialized agents.
Some critics explain that the formalism of bureaucracy can lead to a heaviness and rigidity of administrative action and even a monopolization of power for the sole benefit of the interests of bureaucrats (those who work within a bureaucracy).
[Last reviewed in March of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team ]
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