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After Weber
Beetham?s Three Models
The MacDonaldisation of Society George Ritzer (1993)
Weber viewed bureaucracy as the ultimate manifestation of rationality in social organisation.
Ritzer feels that in today?s society a better model is that of MacDonaldisation.
The world of the fast food chain is a better model.
In 1991 - in USA alone ? 110,000 outlets which is One outlet to every 2,
250 people.
Ritzer argues that the reason it has succeeded lies in the following key elements.
Efficiency ? assembly line production ? limited menus ? fast processing of customers.
Calculability ? every thing is measured and evaluated on the basis of rational calculation.
Predictability ? ? a world that offers no surprises?. Menu is the same the world over and the product fits a definite standard.
Control ? workers are deskilled, - no chef. Automatic dispensers,
hard seats, bright lights, and in Britain security guards to make sure you don?t linger too long after consuming your food.
A rational organisation that has devalued the process of having a meal. Opponents of fast food outlets argue that this leads to food of poor quality.
This is the irrationality of supposedly rational organizations.
Difference between Formal rationality and substantive rationality.
The Environment
(Burns and Stalker 1991)
External pressures can shape the organisational structure.
Stable external environment ? formalized, centralized and bureaucratic. ? MECHANISTIC
Need to innovate, external climate unstable ? less bureaucracy and more flexible.
Bureaucracy 2 continued...
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