Author: Barun Kumar SahuPublisher: Pustak MahalYear: 2004Language: EnglishPages: 247ISBN/UPC (if available): 8122308759
Description
If we can understand the bureaucracy, we can have a fairly good idea about the working of our government from inside.This book provides unconventional insights into inscrutable public (even private!) bureaucracies, where chaos is the order of the day and imperfection the ubiquitous pattern.Several subtle influences that condition organisational behaviour have been postulated in the form of laws and many are illustrated with insightful anecdotes. These unwritten laws are the nuts and bolts of babudom.The book will be of interest to-Bureaucrats, management professionals, politicians, businesspersons, theoreticians and lay readers.It may be of special interest to those who want to understand why bureaucracy works in uncanny ways: for example-Why an honest bureaucrat is unpopular.Why partiality, incompetence and mediocrity are promoted and why poetic justice is a pipedream? The book will teach readers a cardinal rule: If you must live with bureaucracy, learn the ground rules and play the game accordingly to get your way!
Contents
PrefaceAn introduction to BureaucracyTheoretical backgroundBureaucratic administration: management orMismanagement?Public bureaucracy in contemporary IndiaAdministrative set-up in contemporary IndiaESTABLISHED FLAWSWell-known FlawsUNWRITTEN FLAWS OR THE GROUNDRULES OF BUREAUCRACY1. Group DynamicsSome basicsOrganizational mattersPersonnel issuesAmity and animosityCommittee sans commitmentFeigned leadership2. Management information SystemOfficialesePaperworkCommunicationDoubtful veracitySemi-transparencySpoon-fed media3. Due and Undue ConsiderationsIncentive, allurement or corruptionVested InterestsElusive rateHonest perquisites4. Passing the BuckFixing responsibilityError and unforgivenessGrievance redressal5. Legal AngleAwe of lawSafety and security6. Polity NationhoodPolitical rootsPublic serviceReform versus deformIdeologyValue judgment7. TimeframePromptitudeInstinctive dilatorinessBuzz of busyness8. Work EthicsWork cultureProblematic solutionRed tapeCompetence and its irrelevanceCritical situationFutile diligenceDelegation9. Society and StatusPower and prideImage versus realitySocial conductSeniority show10. Throughput ManagementDevelopmental issuesPolicy prescriptionsPerformance appraisalFinancial perspective