Research Note: Bureaucracy in Hospitals: An Empirical Test of Hall's Theory in One Organizational Type

Abstract

In a study in six general hospitals in The Netherlands, Hall's dimensional model of bureaucracy was tested for its applicabilitv in one type of organization. A pilot study with a group of staff nurses provided a reliable version of the original questionnaire translated and adapted to the hospital organization. But an individual analysis showed that the dimensional model had only a partial empirical basis, and the assumed indepen dence of the six dimensions was not confirmed. In a second study, the number of dimesions was reduced to five. Here data were also analysed at group level. The conclusion was reached that the dimensions of hierarchy of authority, impersonality, and rules/procedures can be reliably measured. Again independence was not found. It is suggested that in this type of organization. bureaucracy can better be approached as an integral concept. The scale has an acceptable degree of validity. Before firm conclusions on the applicability of the dimensional model can be drawn, further research in other homogeneous groups of organizations will be needed.