Question

Theory of Bureaucracy was given by

• A. L.D. White
• B. Fayol
• C. Max Weber
• D. Robert Merton

Hint:

The pairing to remember is Max Weber and Bureaucracy. He provided the classic, ideal-type definition of bureaucracy that is still the starting point for its study today.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Define the Theory of Bureaucracy. The Theory of Bureaucracy is a major concept in sociology, public administration, and management. It describes an ideal form of organization characterized by a clear hierarchy, division of labor, formal rules and procedures, and impersonal relationships.

Step 2: Identify the originator. The most prominent theorist of bureaucracy is Max Weber, a German sociologist. He described bureaucracy as the most efficient and rational way of organizing human activity and saw it as a key part of the rationalization of society.

Step 3: Differentiate from other theorists. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Henri Fayol: Known for his 14 principles of administrative management.} \\ \bullet & \text{Robert Merton: A sociologist who also studied bureaucracy but is known for analyzing its dysfunctions.} \\ \bullet & \text{L.D. White: An American historian and a pioneer in the field of public administration in the US.} \\ \end{array}\] While others studied the topic, Max Weber is universally credited with developing the foundational theory.