Does Bureaucracy Stifle Moral Agency?

Abstract

Bureaucracy has been around us since the earliest human societies and has been the cornerstone of ancient and modern civilisations. Literature documents its several merits and demerits but little attention has been given to its moral ramifications. This is essential in these critical times that have recorded increasing numbers of corporate scandals globally. If bureaucracy is at the foundations of our modern societies, its role in this trend cannot be ignored hence the purpose of this paper. First, a historical review of bureaucracies from the industrial revolution era through the first and second world wars to our modern capitalist society is presented. Second, bureaucracy is conceptualised with a clear focus on Weber's ideal type. Arguments surrounding its rationality and efficiency were critically looked into as a basis for discussing emerging moral issues. It concludes by submitting that indeed bureaucracy can stifle moral agency.