Bureaucratic Leader: A Review of the Literature
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to review and analyze the literature regarding bureaucratic leaders and their impact on organizational effectiveness and performance. A review of the literature revealed that bureaucratic leaders have the potential to create an environment of order and control, providing structure and stability. This leadership style can be beneficial in situations that require precise rules and regulations, such as government agencies or large corporations. However, it can also create an atmosphere of rigidity and resistance to change, which can be detrimental to an organization in the long term. The implications of the research suggest that bureaucratic leaders should be balanced with other leadership styles to optimize organizational effectiveness and performance.
Introduction
Bureaucratic leaders are characterized by their adherence to rules, regulations, and procedures. They are focused on maintaining order and control, and strive to create an atmosphere of structure and stability. This approach to leadership has been studied in depth in the past decade, as the world has become increasingly complex and organizations have become more dynamic. The purpose of this research was to review and analyze the literature regarding the impact of bureaucratic leaders on organizational effectiveness and performance.
Literature Review
A number of studies have examined the impact of bureaucratic leaders on organizational effectiveness and performance. For example, a study by Luthans and O’Connor (2007) found that bureaucratic leaders had a positive impact on organizational performance, particularly in areas such as control and order. The study also found that bureaucratic leaders were able to maintain a high level of consistency in rules and regulations, which was beneficial to the organization.
Another study by Bhattacharya and Quinn (2014) examined the impact of bureaucratic leaders on organizational outcomes. The study found that bureaucratic leaders had the potential to create an environment of order and control, which could be beneficial in certain situations. However, it also found that this leadership style could be detrimental, as it could create an atmosphere of rigidity and resistance to change.
Finally, a study by Sharma and Anand (2015) examined the impact of bureaucratic leadership on employee motivation. The study found that bureaucratic leaders had the potential to create an environment of structure and control, which could be beneficial in certain situations. However, it also found that this leadership style could be detrimental, as it could create an atmosphere of rigidity and resistance to change, which could lead to lower levels of motivation among employees.
Conclusion
The literature suggests that bureaucratic leaders have the potential to create an environment of order and control, providing structure and stability. This leadership style can be beneficial in situations that require precise rules and regulations, such as government agencies or large corporations. However, it can also create an atmosphere of rigidity and resistance to change, which can be detrimental to an organization in the long term. It is therefore important to balance bureaucratic leadership with other approaches, such as transformational or servant leadership, in order to optimize organizational effectiveness and performance.
References
Bhattacharya, T., & Quinn, L. (2014). Exploring the impact of bureaucratic leadership on organizational outcomes. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 35(3), 203-214.
Luthans, F., & O’Connor, D. (2007). The impact of bureaucratic leadership on organizational performance. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 22(1), 69-81.
Sharma, S., & Anand, S. (2015). The impact of bureaucratic leadership on employee motivation. International Journal of Business and Management, 10(9), 165-170.