The professional bureaucracy is characterized by standardized work processes and decentralized decision making. Professionals such as teachers, doctors, and case workers work independently with their clients but coordinate with their peers. Their work is governed by standards set by external organizations. While work processes are complex, professionals exercise judgment within established guidelines. Administrators organize professionals by client type and coordinate their work while respecting professional autonomy. Attempts to impose external controls can undermine professional standards and dampen innovation. Gradual change through professional associations may be most effective.

1. The Professional BureaucracyStable & complex work, standardized behavior – simultaneous standardization and decentralization.Universities, hospitals, school systems, government agencies, & production firms

2. Each professional works independently at his task but closely with his clients.Teacher in a classroom(teachers with students)Doctors treating a patient(surgeon & anesthesiologist- together but independent)Policeman aloneCase worker with citizenCounselor with student

3. Coordination by design - structureGoverning bodies set standards.(accreditation or standardization boards, associations, groups, organizations)AICPA, NAIFA, Accrediting bodies, TBORWork processes too complex to be standardized (such as at DMV), but dependent on personal judgment, peer consultation within a design or framework of guidelines.

4. “Pigeonholing” linked by administrationIn the professional bureaucracy, clients are “pigeonholed” according to general criteria – leaving professionals the necessity to exercise expertise and judgment in performing their role.The bureaucracy is a series of decentralized linked pigeonholes.Combined – served – organized – coordinated by professional administrators. (House)

5. Strategy within the Professional Bureaucracy Each professional’s strategy somewhat similar - set by outside entities, associations, organizations - requirements, guidelines, regulationsThe administrator maintains - serves, supervises, directs, supports, facilitates, the success of these strategies – formulates, works, steers a strategy – “overall with coordination”.A complex & stable environment – democratic –simple – professionals control their work and decisions.

6. Attached & Free – best of both worlds?Autonomy – allows professionals to perfect their skills, free of interference – surgeons – artists – but….Problems? Administrative solutions?Coordination between staff and professional – creates friction pointDiscretion - professionals vary in competence and conscientiousnessInnovation – Inflexible structure leads to difficulty accommodating change or different approaches.

7. OUTSIDERS see problems – seek changesOutsiders seek change through external controls – standardization or direct supervision. - parental approach – imposing supervision - new laws, rules intended to achieve change by addressing specific items or standards.● Results? (DOGS & CATS Sleeping together)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w91-GMc3j7I - dampened professional conscientiousness, baby out with bathwater, upset balance, increased bureaucracy, greater dissatisfaction, less innovation

8. Final WordsChange…does not sweep in from …intent on …control. ….Change seeps in, by the slow process of changing the professionals…incrementalism.…may be best …to bring pressures on the …associations rather than on professional bureaucracies.