ABSTRACT
The bureaucracy is often referred to as the fourth branch of government, an epithet that has been applied to other entities as well, such as the press. This chapter fcouses on the bureaucratic pathologies that are directly related to excessive information burdens and those that appear, on the surface, to decrease information burdens but actually result in inefficient information management practices. The fully developed bureaucratic apparatus compares with other organizations exactly as does the machine with non-mechanical modes of production. The chapter highlights the fact that control over information resources is the essential way bureaucrats protect their perceived organizational interests. Secrecy affects information produced within the bureaucracy for internal use as well as what information is released to the public or other bureaucratic agencies. Bureaucrats also engage in activities that are commonly thought of as “protecting oneself and one’s turf,” or activities to avoid any risk or embarrassment to their organizations and themselves.
