The Machine Metaphor and Its Relation to Bureaucracy, Essay Example

I strongly agree to the idea of relating the machine metaphor to the functions and directive existence of bureaucracy. Relatively, the constructs of a ‘machine’ is based on effective organization of elements which allows each part to play a great role that makes the whole setup to function as desired. In connection to this, it could be assumed that every single part of a machine has a role that it plays in support to the overall process of operation that the machine undergoes as programmed by the creators. Machines could range from small to large scale; nevertheless, it is the functionality of each machine that is considered the value of each item. The end-product that machine produces define its capacity and the system it uses whether it is effective or not in creating what it is supposed to make. Bureaucracy on the other hand is described as the arrangement of positions that human individuals are assigned into. For instance, in an organization, people from the group fill in specific positions with which they are supposed to protect and consider as a role that they ought to play in relation to how the organization would grow. These individuals who are placed in position are given specific tasks which they should be able to respond to. They are expected to function accordingly with the given tasks to become efficient members of the organization.

This is the reason why the machine metaphor works well in describing the system of bureaucracy especially in relation to the organizational setup of management operators and administrators. Notably, such condition of relation among the members of the organization creates a source of function that directs the whole team of employees and administrators into one direction, progress and development. Through the years, it has been realized through research and survey that organizations functioning under an effective system of bureaucracy are most likely to incur progress at the shortest time. Utilizing their resources at a more efficient way, these organizations often find themselves in the path of advancement as they function along with others in a unified process of operating alongside each other.

Organizations would best benefit from the machine metaphor as they intend to work together as a ‘machine’; each person taking his own position and completing his own assigned tasks as expected. Through this process, no person in the organization would be left out nor would be considered a liability as everyone else would be able to find their position and their role in the function of the entire group. Not being able to function properly along with the others should put one in a self-examining position that would practically motivate him to work with the others in unity. Through the application of the machine metaphor, managers and other administrators who are at the top position of the bureaucracy would best be able to know what to do when one of the members of the team tend to fall off or is not able to perform as expected. The need to keep the machine going is essential and having everyone work through their job and tasks with satisfaction is an essential factor to give close attention to. It is only through this that everyone else would be able to function properly under the direction of the assigned bureaucracy.