Suchergebnisse

The idea that bureaucracy is a 'rational' & 'depoliticized' instrument in the conduct of public affairs, has recently come under severe criticism. Assuming the inevitable trend towards 'politicization', modern bureaucracies can possibly be classified into 4 different categories: 'depoliticized', 'semipoliticized', 'committed', & 'fully-politicized'. Such a classification is based on the operationalization of certain indices on 4 different dimensions viz (1) degree of bureaucracy's influence in decision making, (2) degree of its involvement in political activities, (3) degree of political interference in its work, & (4) its image in the public. The extent of 'politicization' of any bureaucratic system & its actual deviation from the defined categories will, however, depend upon the available pattern of the characteristic indices in that particular society. Notwithstanding certain difficulties in the operationalization of such indices, the model should be helpful in providing a framework for a comparative analysis & measurement of 'politicization' of bureaucracies in different political systems. The concept of a 'politicized' bureaucracy is defined as one which is involved or influences or is influenced to any degree, consciously or unconsciously, by overt or by implicit actions in the stream of the politics of the day whether of the party in power or of the party/parties in opposition. Such an involvement may mean the bureaucratic promotion of special interests of political party at the expense of national objectives. In a more extended form it may also be regarded as a type of bureaucracy which uses political parties in furtherance of their collective or individual objectives. An attempt is made to show that the Indian bureaucracy is fast loosing its neutral character & might show a deviation towards the 'politicized' model. AA.