Change in the Structure of Bureaucracy

Abstract

The impact of pressures for change over time in three city government bureaucracies is analyzed, and the cities are found to accommodate demands for change by adding structural units and not hiring additional employees. It is suggested that managers respond to pressures for change by adding structures, regardless of increases in administrative cost and complexity, because bureaucratic structure is the legitimate, socially prescribed vehicle to accomplish bureaucratic goals. This implies that attempts at major changes in public bureaucracies may lead to more bureaucratic structure and increased costs of administration.