ABSTRACT
Peter Blau’s theory of structural differentiation in organizations was developed at much the same time as the Aston formulations (see Chapter 32 of this volume). Both used Weber as their base, and both serve to test Weber’s theory of bureaucracy (but in somewhat different ways). Blau does depart from Weber in certain respects, but he also recognizes that bureaucratic structures are essential to the utilization of complex technologies and to the support of arrangements involving division of labor, both of which yield major benefits. On Weber himself, Blau notes: “Perhaps the most difficult task for a scholar is to develop a new approach to the study of reality. . . . It is no exaggeration to say that Weber was one of the rare men who have done just this” (Blau 1974, 57).
