Is bureaucracy inevitable? Can an organization exist without a specialized division of labour and multiple rules, and escape the problems associated with bureaucracy? The present paper discusses the Chinese experience in 'eliminating' bureaucracy throughout history, particularly in the Cultural Revolution. The consequences of this attempt and its aftermath suggest that bureaucratic rules and specialization are inevitable, and that we should try to improve rather than eliminate bureaucracy.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Oded Shenkar (1984) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: