Bureaucracy Goodsell Analysis

Throughout the book, Goodsell makes very valid arguments for the soundness of bureaucracy. I particularly enjoyed reading about how Goodsell discusses the views of bureaucrats themselves. His analysis found that bureaucrats enjoy their jobs. I thought this was a good personal touch for bureaucrats. To read they are passionate about their careers is very refreshing. On the flip side, it probably doesn’t do much for those who feel oppressed by bureaucrats to know that they enjoy their job. In chapter six, Goodsell discusses misconceptions. He sections the issue of bureaucratic expansion into four separate sections- size, growth, political power, and political contributions. There are 21 million employees who make up the American federal agencies and one of

There are six elements Goodsell describes about how bureaucracy contributes to politics. They can generate funds for government, sustain and believe in the various agencies’ missions, contribute to the election process that encourages democracy, have federal agents who have the ability to influence policy making, organizations that foster improvements in social status, and promote involvement in community organizations. Without bureaucracy, the institutions and ways of life we have come to expect from our government would be diminished and ultimately, hinder Americans. In the final chapter, Goodsell describes how effective government in America is in supporting the democratic way of life. Issues against bureaucracy like waste and incompetence, will unfortunately always be present but are usually less common than we think. Bureaucrats are held to insane standards that they cannot live up to. But, everything can be improved upon, even bureaucracy. Instead of reform, there are other continues models we can follow. Three adaptable ways to continue improvement are demonstration projects, organizational report cards, and external