What are the basic features of bureaucracy?

The basic features of bureaucracy are:

1. Functioning of Officials - Under bureaucracy the officials have fixed areas of jurisdiction, which are governed by rules, laws and administrative regulations. The regular activities of the bureaucratic organisation are distributed in a fixed manner as official duties. The higher authorities issue commands which are to be implemented by subordinates in a stable way. The responsibilities of officials are strictly bound by the authorities available to them. Only those who have persons who have the requisite qualifications to perform duties are employed.

2. Hierarchical Ordering of Positions - A proper hierarchical order is maintained on the basis of authority and office where the higher officials supervise the lower ones. It provides the scope of appeal to a higher official in case of dissatisfaction with the decisions of lower officials.

3. Reliance on Written Document - All the work done, orders issued, authorities assigned are in writing. It is a part of the public domain and is separate from the private life of the officials.

4. Office Management - It needs specialised and modern skills of management so it requires trained and skilled work force to conduct operations.

5. Conduct in Office - The official conducts in office are governed by exhaustive rules and regulations. These codes of conduct separate the behaviour of a person in his or her public and private domain.