The Lifecycle of Bureaus Anthony Downs Article Discussion

The Lifecycle of Bureaus Anthony Downs Article Discussion PA 302 Tom Looby 30 Jan 2006

Introduction • Progressive Stages of Bureaus – Genesis – Dynamics of Growth – Effects of Age – Death of Bureaus

How Bureaus Come Into Being • Charismatic Leadership – Catholic Church • Meet a perceived need – New Deal • Tennessee Valley Authority • Spilt from existing – Department of the Air Force • Entrepreneurship – Commodity Credit Corporation

The Dynamics of Growth • Growth Accelerator Effect – Social function becomes more important • NASA after Sputnik • Rapid growth provides opportunities • Attracts High number of climbers • Brakes on Acceleration – Resistance to further growth – Hostility and antagonism from competitors – Difficult to produce results as it grows larger • Increased size and complexity – Conflicts among Climbers • Internal rivalry diverts attention

The Dynamics of Growth • Qualitative Growth – Higher incentives – Simultaneous promotions • Bureaus Seek Expansion – – – Attracts personnel Provides increased power, income, prestige Reduces internal conflict Increases likelihood of survival Growth as a measure of success

Effects of Age • Performs better with experience • Shifting emphasis from social function to survival • Law of Increasing Conservatism – Older it is, less likely to die – Youth is best time to "Kill" – Diversify to survive • Age Lump – – Number and age of officials rises Recruiting problems Crisis of continuity Can be offset

Death of Bureaus • Typically outlive their usefulness – Rarely Disappear • Reasons for Death – Decline in importance – Unable to perform function – Taken over by another bureau • Reasons of Survival – – – Shift functions Client pressure Cost / benefit relationship hidden Bureaus less likely to kill each other Size equals survival