Summarize Weber's principles of management

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Hierarchy of authority. In every traditional police organization there exist superior-subordinate relations based on authority from the patrol officer to the chief of police. Each person at a higher position or rank has more authority than that person's subordinate. In this fashion everyone is directly supervised and controlled. This authority structure is commonly referred to as a chain of command.

Specialization. Every person's job is broken down into precise, routine, and well-defined tasks. By dividing tasks among several work groups, the organization becomes more efficient. In the case of police departments, specialization creates units such as criminal investigation, juvenile, traffic, and internal affairs.

Formalization. There must be a well-established system of rules and regulations detailing workers' duties and to ensure uniformity and reduce discretion. Police departments have policies and procedures addressing how jobs are performed and what people are supposed to do.

Impersonality of management. When decisions are made they should be made without regard to personalities or individuals. Decision making should be based on the goals and objectives of the organization.

Personnel decisions based on merit. Positions should be filled and promotions made according to merit. The department must strive to place the best-qualified persons in the appropriate positions.