Editing Max Weber (section)

====Bureaucracy====
{{See also|Bureaucracy}}

Weber's commentary on societal bureaucratisation is one of the most prominent parts of his work.{{sfn|Swedberg|Agevall|2016|p=20}} According to him, bureaucracy was the most efficient method of societal organisation and the most formally rational system. It was necessary for modern society to function and would also be difficult to destroy.{{sfnm|1a1=Swedberg|1a2=Agevall|1y=2016|1pp=20–21|2a1=Bendix|2a2=Roth|2y=1977|2p=430}} Bureaucratic officials felt superior to non-bureaucrats, had a strong sense of duty, and had fixed salaries that caused them to be disinclined to pursue monetary acquisition. Bureaucracy was less likely to be found among elected officials.{{sfn|Swedberg|Agevall|2016|p=20}} Furthermore, Bureaucracy's treatment of all people without regard for individuals suited capitalism well.{{sfnm|1a1=Swedberg|1a2=Agevall|1y=2016|1p=21|2a1=Bendix|2a2=Roth|2y=1977|2pp=426–427}} It was also a requirement for both modern capitalism and modern socialism to exist.{{sfn|Swedberg|Agevall|2016|p=21}} This depersonalisation related to its increased efficiency. Bureaucrats could not openly make decisions arbitrarily or base them on personal favours.{{sfn|Bendix|Roth|1977|pp=427–428}} As the most efficient and rational way of organising, bureaucratisation was the key part of rational-legal authority. Furthermore, he saw it as the key process in the ongoing rationalisation of Western society.{{sfnm|1a1=Ritzer|1y=2009|1pp=38–42|2a1=Swedberg|2a2=Agevall|2y=2016|2pp=18–21}}

Weber listed six characteristics of an ideal type of bureaucracy:{{sfnm|1a1=Swedberg|1a2=Agevall|1y=2016|1p=20|2a1=Bendix|2a2=Roth|2y=1977|2p=424|3a1=Allan|3y=2005|3pp=173–174}}
# It was in a fixed area that was governed by rules
# Bureaucracies were hierarchical
# Its actions were based on written documents
# Expert training was required
# Bureaucrats were completely devoted to their work
# The system relied on basic rules that were learnable

The development of [[information and communications technology|communication]] and transportation technologies made more efficient administration possible and popularly requested. Meanwhile, the [[democratisation]] and rationalisation of culture resulted in demands that the new system treat everyone equally.{{sfn|Allan|2005|pp=172–173}} Weber's ideal type of bureaucracy was characterised by hierarchical organisation, delineated lines of authority in a fixed area of activity, action taken on the basis of written rules, bureaucratic officials needing expert training, rules being implemented neutrally, and career advancement depending on technical qualifications judged by organisations.{{sfnm|1a1=Swedberg|1a2=Agevall|1y=2016|1pp=20–21|2a1=Allan|2y=2005|2pp=173–174|3a1=Bendix|3a2=Roth|3y=1977|3p=424}} While arguing that bureaucracy was the most efficient form of organisation and was indispensable for the modern state, Weber was also critical of it. In his view, an inescapable bureaucratisation of society would happen in the future. He also thought that a hypothetical victory of socialism over capitalism would have not been able to prevent that.{{sfnm|1a1=Swedberg|1a2=Agevall|1y=2016|1pp=21–22|2a1=Ritzer|2y=2005|2p=55}} Economic and political organisations needed entrepreneurs and politicians in order to counteract bureaucrats. Otherwise, they would be stifled by bureaucracy.{{sfn|Swedberg|Agevall|2016|p=21}}