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Introduction
Origin of Bureaucracy:
The word Bureaucracy stems from the words “bureau” used from the early 18th century in Western Europe not just to refer to a writing desk, but to an office or workplace, where officials worked. The original French meaning of the word Bureau was the baize used to cover desks. The Greek suffix kratia or kratos means "power" or "rule." Bureaucracy thus basically means office power or office rule, the rule of the officialdom. The term bureaucracy came into use shortly before the French Revolution of 1789, and from there spread rapidly to other countries.
Definitions of Bureaucracy:
Bureaucracy is the structure and set of regulation in place to control activity, usually in large organizations and government. It is characterized by rule following procedures, formal division of responsibility, hierarchy and impersonal relationships. In practice the interpretation and execution of policy can lead to informal influence.
Bureaucracy is a concept in sociology and political science referring to the way that the administrative execution and enforcement of legal rules are socially organized.
In the social sciences, a bureaucracy is a large organization characterized by hierarchy, fixed rules, impersonal relationships, rigid adherence to procedures, and a highly specialized division of labor.
International Bureaucracy in United Nation:
Over the years, the UN has gained a reputation as a large and unwieldy bureaucracy that is inefficient and wasteful, thereby hindering its effectiveness. In fact, this was one of the main reasons that the US-the largest contributor to the UN-withheld their dues to the UN during the 1990s.
Although the UN exhibits some of the main characteristics of a large bureaucracy, there are also several unique characteristics that can make reform more challenging.
Like most bureaucracies, the UN has rules and regulations, a hierarchy of supervision, meritocracy, and specialization. While these characteristics are positive and essential for the smooth running of an organization, they also have negative aspects. For example, although rules and regulations provide predictability, they also create what is known as the "red tape" phenomena. Similarly, while hierarchy of supervision adds to effective management, it can also lead to an abuse of authority.
We are discussing different parameters at the International Bureaucracy in United Nation:
1. Recruitment and Selection
2. Salary and benefits
3. Promotion
4. Training & Skills
5. Retirement
Recruitment and Selection:
The Examinations and Tests Section develops plans and administers examinations and tests in the United Nations Secretariat, including National Competitive Recruitment Examinations, G to P Examinations, and Language Examinations, Tests for General Service and related categories and Language Proficiency Examinations.
We are also responsible for the development and implementation of strategies for the management of young professional recruitment.
The National Competitive Recruitment Examinations (NCRE) is held on a yearly basis in countries that are selected on the basis of their representation in the Secretariat.
Every year, the Organization targets the nationals of Member States that are not adequately represented in the Secretariat for recruitment through competitive examinations. The purpose of these examinations is to recruit young qualified and motivated professionals for junior positions (at the P-2 level.)
The goal is to introduce a system that is based on predicted staffing needs as determined through effective human resources planning; is timely, that is, posts will be filled within a maximum of 120 days; holds managers accountable for making selection decisions based on objective, job-related criteria; facilitates mobility throughout the Secretariat; provides placement and advancement opportunities for staff based on merit; and complies with the Organization’s policies of appointment on the basis of merit, paying due regard to the principles of geographical representation and gender balance.
Legal basis:
Positions in this field require experience in a wide range of specializations in law and may be involved in one or more of the following activities: preparation of opinions and studies on the interpretation of the United Nations Charter and the rules of international law; progressive development, codification and harmonization of international law; providing advice on commercial matters dealing with claims of an international or a private law character; responding to the needs of the Member States in dealing with legal, political, economic, scientific, technical and environmental aspects of the law of the sea and marine affairs; representation of the Secretary General before the International Court of Justice and in the settlements of claims.
Public information:
Positions in the field of public information involve a wide range of activities including writing United Nations press releases and information materials in print and online formats; providing coverage for delegations, the media and non-governmental organizations at Headquarters and around the world of United Nations meetings, conferences, and programmes; producing publications, radio, television, video, and photographic products that are thematically integrated. Other major activities comprise the handling of promotional campaigns and media coverage of international conferences and observances, special events, conducting public tours and responding to public inquiries.
Recruitment For Middle And Higher Level Posts:
It is the general policy of the United Nations to announce all vacancies other than those at the entry level. In filling these vacancies, special efforts are made to recruit from as wide a geographic area as possible, in order to achieve equitable representation among Member States.
To be considered for these posts, candidates must possess an advanced university degree, in addition to relevant professional experience. Normally, a minimum of six years of professional experience is required. Information on currently vacant positions is available at Headquarters,
United Nations Information Centres throughout the world and other offices of the United Nations family (e.g. UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF). Moreover, information may be obtained from the Foreign Ministry of the respective Member States and certain educational and/or professional institutions (e.g. universities, women's associations, etc.). In order to identify the best and the brightest, the Organization utilizes competitive recruitment methods such as assessment centres. The Secretariat maintains a computerized roster of qualified candidates for these posts.