Social Sciences and History / Unit 8 SSH 0733 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Weber's Ideal and the Self-Serving Models
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The idea
Sociologists built models of bureaucracy. Max Weber's ideal type is apolitical, hierarchical, governed by formal procedure, with specialists. Later models see bureaucracies as self-serving: the acquisitive model, competitive and power-hungry for resources; the monopolistic model, inefficient because no competitor exists.
In practice
Harnessing self-interest is elected officials' constant task.
Where people slip
Bureaucrats: civil servants and political appointees in nonelected posts.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
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