Political Science · Public Administration
UGC NET August 2024 Political Science
Which of the following are part of Merton's criticism of bureaucratic theory?
- 1. Displacement of goals
- 2. Trained incapacity
- 3. Non-conformity
- 4. Depersonalisation of relationships
- 5. Inadequate accountability and responsibility
A1, 3 & 5 only
B1, 2 & 4 only ✓ Correct
C2, 3 & 4 only
D1, 2 & 5 only
Correct answer: (B) 1, 2 & 4 only — Merton's criticisms are displacement of goals, trained incapacity and depersonalisation, so the answer is 1, 2 and 4.
Explanation
★Merton's criticisms are displacement of goals, trained incapacity and depersonalisation, so the answer is 1, 2 and 4.
★Robert K. Merton analysed the dysfunctions of bureaucracy in 1957.
★Goal displacement happens when following rules becomes an end in itself, replacing the real goal.
★Trained incapacity means that skills learned for routine work leave officials unable to adapt to new situations.
★Depersonalisation means treating citizens as cases under rules, ignoring their individual circumstances.
★Merton's point was over-conformity to rules, not non-conformity, so statement 3 misstates his view.
★Inadequate accountability is not one of his named dysfunctions, so the correct set is 1, 2 and 4.
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