Bureaucracy is a widely reviled concept, but when done right, it can be a great tool for efficiently achieving desired outcomes. Simply put, bureaucracy is the set of processes that govern how a government or a large organization operates. A bureaucracy typically involves multiple layers of rules and regulations, and is often seen as a top-down structure with centralized decision-making.

When properly implemented, bureaucracy serves an important role in making organizational operations more efficient. Rules and procedures provide needed guidance, especially when safety is of critical importance. Bureaucracy also serves to ensure a level of consistency, as rules and regulations are repeatedly applied in the same manner. And, perhaps most importantly, bureaucracy helps establish accountability; decisions may take longer to make, but it’s easier to see who made the decision and why. The result is a welcome relief to organizations who have previously been hampered by haphazard decision-making, miscommunication, and lack of direction.

At its core, a bureaucracy is essentially a system of checks and balances. A good example of bureaucratic effectiveness in the United States is the Glass-Steagall Act, which has long served to protect banks from taking on too much risk with respect to investing and lending practices. This regulation has been credited with shielding the US banking system during the 2008 financial crisis. Had this regulation not been in place, the impact of the crisis could have been far worse.

That said, bureaucracy does not come without its drawbacks. It can be slow, rigid, and inflexible, especially in an increasingly competitive environment. It can be difficult to adapt systems to changing conditions. And, in some cases, it is accused of placing too much emphasis on process over results. Still, when used judiciously and appropriately, bureaucracy can be a powerful tool to help large organizations achieve their goals.