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Bureaucracy in the Dock
Dismantling bureaucracy is a formidable challenge. Before signing on, you need to be convinced that the organizational disabilities described in chapter 1 are, in fact, the fault of bureaucracy. In this chapter, we will lay out the articles of impeachment. How, exactly, do the archetypical features of bureaucracy—stratified decision rights, formalized unit boundaries, specialized roles, and standardized practices—undermine adaptability, innovation, and engagement? Why must bureaucracy be deposed? Why is this a fight worth joining?
Stratified and Myopic
Ask just about anyone to draw a picture of their organization and you’ll get the familiar pyramid of lines and boxes. A fixed chain of command is one of humanity’s ...
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