birokratia

Birokratia, or bureaucracy, is a system of administration used to implement public policy and manage large organizations. The term is derived from the French bureau (desk) and the Greek kratos (power), and in many languages it appears as birokratia, biurokracja, birokrasi, etc. It denotes both a mode of organization and a form of authority based on written rules and impersonal procedures rather than personal ties.

Core features include a hierarchical structure, formalized rules, division of labor, professional staff, and extensive record-keeping. Decisions are expected to follow established procedures, with authority delegated through a chain of command. The aim is consistency, accountability, and the efficient handling of routine tasks in large public administrations and, in some cases, in large private enterprises.

Criticism centers on rigidity, inertia, red tape, and a tendency toward risk-averse behavior that can hamper innovation. Critics warn of bureaucratic waste and, in some contexts, corruption or capture by interest groups. Proponents argue it provides predictability, equal treatment, legality, and scale. Reforms emphasize digitization, simplification of procedures, decentralization, performance measurement, and anti-corruption measures; however, outcomes depend on governance context and capacity.