Natalia_Debora Week 4 assignment

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Grand Canyon University *

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Course

102

Subject

Sociology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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5

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Bureaucracy Natalia Debora College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University SOC-102 Principles of Sociology Professor Joanie Mitchell February 4, 2024,
Bureaucracy  is a term used to describe the organizational structure of institutions that rely on division of labor, written rules and regulations, communication, records, and impersonality to function effectively. These traits establish a clear hierarchy of power and job assignments that contribute to the smooth functioning of businesses and organizations. Grand Canyon University, a private, non-profit institution in the picturesque state of Arizona, embodies these bureaucratic traits to the highest degree, making it a source of pride for its students. Grand Canyon University's mission is to "strive to help students become innovative thinkers, effective communicators, global contributors, and transformative leaders within the context of a Christian worldview" ( Brown et al. 2022) . The university's commitment to its values and mission is reflected in its implementation of a bureaucratic structure. Grand Canyon University aims to cultivate innovative thinkers, effective communicators, global contributors, and transformative leaders who embody a Christian worldview. To achieve this, the institution's community members must prioritize their work, adhere to established guidelines, and be ready to guide and mentor others as needed. These bureaucratic traits are vital for the successful functioning of an organization like Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon University has a hierarchical structure defined by the various departments such as psychology, engineering, education, nursing, etc. The university's board of directors, who establish the institution's mission, occupy the top of the pyramid and make rules and regulations distributed to the different departments. "Across the top of the diagram are the prominent professionals. The work is structured around the professionals' skills as they use their discretion to address customers' needs, with administrators and other staff in supportive roles
(Tschannen-Moran. 2009). The professionals' skills drive the work, with administrators and other staff serving in supportive roles. Professors must follow a department's curriculum to ensure efficient and effective operations. The second distinguishing feature of a bureaucracy, a clear division of labor, is also present at Grand Canyon University. The university offers appropriate housing choices for its students, along with regulations and protocols to guarantee a secure living space. The residential directors (RDs) are in charge of administrative work and supervising the resident assistants (RAs), who maintain the student code of conduct. There are two RAs in each building who deal with grievances, conduct room inspections, and offer general aid. This clear division of labor ensures that each individual has specific responsibilities and contributes to the overall success of the student housing program. The third characteristic of a bureaucracy, a set of written regulations, is crucial to the operation of a university like Grand Canyon University. These regulations uphold the school's standards and support its Christian identity. To this end, strict rules regarding alcohol, drugs, and inappropriate behavior are enforced for students and other groups. While professors may have differing beliefs, the curriculum still includes teachings of the Christian worldview. These teachings are mandatory for students to ensure that a Christian perspective is integrated into their education. The organization's written rules serve as a reflection of its values and beliefs, and they are essential to the successful functioning of the institution. Effective communication is essential to any organization, including Grand Canyon University, and written communication is essential. To ensure students and professors are informed of any campus news, from crises to regulatory changes to announcements, the university employs various communication methods, including in-person and phone
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communication. In order to foster a productive learning environment, teachers and students must maintain open lines of contact. The institution's reliance on written rules and communication ensures everyone is on the same page and operates efficiently. Impersonality is one of the core characteristics of a bureaucracy. It acknowledges that no job or employee is perfect and prioritizes the organization's needs over the individual's. This principle is fundamental when an employee fails to meet the required standards. In a university setting, students are asked to provide feedback on their professors and counselors to ensure they meet their obligations. By implementing clear rules and expectations, Grand Canyon University can maintain its reputation and receive the recognition it deserves. In conclusion, Grand Canyon University is an institution that exhibits characteristics of a bureaucratic organization. These traits are necessary for the effective functioning of the institution. Though bureaucracy relies on a hierarchical structure to distribute tasks and responsibilities, the contemporary world emphasizes power dynamics. The institution's commitment to these traits ensures its success and the success of its students.
Brown, A., Claerbaut, D., & M Larkin, T. (2022). Our Social World: An Introduction to Sociology (2nd ed.). Grand Canyon University. Tschannen-Moran, M. (2009). Fostering Teacher Professionalism in Schools: The Role of Leadership Orientation and Trust. Educational Administration Quarterly, 45(2), 217-247. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161X08330501