Bureaucracy Definition

Bureaucracy is defined as “a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives” (Oxford Dictionaries). In other words, bureaucracy is a form of government in which power is vested in unelected officials.

Bureaucracy is often seen as a negative form of government, due to the fact that it can be slow and inefficient. Critics argue that bureaucracy stifles creativity and innovation, and that it leads to corruption and cronyism. Supporters of bureaucracy argue that it is a necessary evil, and that it provides stability and order.