Untitled Essay, Research Paper

Classical Theory StructureIntroductionBy way of illustration, in this document we will describe and explain the classical

structural theory as presented by Max Weber. To highlight the advantages and disadvantages

of this classical structure as used in a realistic modern organization we will apply this

theroy as used today in our public police department.Classical Structural TheoryIn the classical structural theory a person is hired for their technical expertise rather

than on the recommendation of a connection from within the company. Generally these people

are more inclined to work in very well-defined process oriented positions. Employees are

given titles in which the authority to perform specific duties are vested. Outside of the

defined position the employee has little or no authority.

Lines of authority and positions are clearly defined by formally established rules and

regulations that help to ensure uniformity of operations, and provide for continuity of

business as well as making responsibility easy to place. In his 10 points Weber implied

that procedures imposed on all who fall within their reach are formal and impersonal (Pace

& Faules, 1994, p. 30-31). In addition to these procedures, It is suggested that an

attitude of discipline is an integral part of the organization that wants to promote

efficiency (Pace & Faules, 1994, chapter 3). They are intentionally designed without

attention to personal or emotional considerations to prevent distortion of employees’

rational judgment in carrying out their assigned duties. Employees working in a

classically structured organization are encouraged to maintain distinction between their

private and professional lives. The last tenet of Max Weber’s theory involves

security and advancement. He held that security in a position was gained by tenure. For

motivated individuals who want to advance their careers, hard work and achievement are

viewed in this type of organization as the best way to develop a good rapport with the

supervisor. Because responsibility is so easily laid on individuals, awarding recognition

on an individual basis is the rule.

In today’s society, even as we progress from the so-called Industrial Age to the

Information Age, such organizations still exist. The police department is a high

visibility organization that continues to utilize the ideas founded in classical theory.

Potential officers are given a series of tests, both physical and mental, which determine

to a great extent their probability of being hired. In line with Weber’s work, each

position in the department has a title which is representative of their level in the

hierarchy (Pace & Faules, 1994, p. 30-31). Strict self discipline is praised and there

are many policies in place to ensure that rational judgment is maintained. The most common

way to advance in the police department is through time on the job. Seniority, especially

when combined with competency, is given a great deal of weight. Maintaining the premise

that authority is vested not in a person but in the position, when an officer leaves the

force he or she looses the power to chase criminals through red lights, arrest drug lords,

and perform other duties for which the authority rises out of the position once held.Advantages of Classical Structural TheoryThe opinion that easily identifiable structure and tightly managed rules and regulations

are advantageous in public organizations is widely held. Structure and policy are of

tremendous interest to all those interested in the uniformity and continuity of public

safety.

The advantages of the classical structure within our example have multiple impacts on how

the organization operates. As affirmed by Frederick Taylor, with a clear and concise

reporting path we can visualize how the police department utilizes this in their daily

operations (Pace & Faules, 1994, p. 32-33). In a crisis situation it is imperative

that the police department work in a unison direction with as little verbal interaction as

possible. This allows partners to communicate with a structural nonverbal direction.

Strict rules guiding the behavior of officers on duty help to protect the public from

officers acting out domestic aggressions at work. In this way, the separation of private

and professional lives is a distinct advantage.Disadvantages of Classical Structural TheoryDespite the many advantages associated with this type of arrangement within the police

department, a number of disadvantages also exist. For employees, goals of advancement

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