To a first order approximation I think of bureaucracies as status maximisers. I’ll admit that status can be a bit nebulous and could be used to explain almost anything but I think a common sense understanding of status gives a good prediction in most cases.
Will a bureaucracy usually perform its tasks kinda adequately? Yes
Will a bureaucracy excel at its tasks? Not unless excellence comes with status, so almost never
Will a bureaucracy look to expand its remit? Yes
Will a bureaucracy often look like a blame minimiser? Yes (due to asymmetric justice)
For second order effects I would probably say bureaucracies are effort minimisers.If a bureaucracy’s status isn’t going to change much between 2 actions, just do whatever is easiest.
To a first order approximation I think of bureaucracies as status maximisers. I’ll admit that status can be a bit nebulous and could be used to explain almost anything but I think a common sense understanding of status gives a good prediction in most cases.
Will a bureaucracy usually perform its tasks kinda adequately? Yes
Will a bureaucracy excel at its tasks? Not unless excellence comes with status, so almost never
Will a bureaucracy look to expand its remit? Yes
Will a bureaucracy often look like a blame minimiser? Yes (due to asymmetric justice)
For second order effects I would probably say bureaucracies are effort minimisers.If a bureaucracy’s status isn’t going to change much between 2 actions, just do whatever is easiest.