Encyclopedia of Managerial Techniques

Bureaucratic Overload (BO)

(Process Optimization / Corporate Red Tape)

An extreme form of process-driven management where rules, approvals, and documentation requirements take precedence over efficiency and common sense. BO practitioners believe that a well-documented process is more important than the outcome it produces.

Examples from practice

A company requiring multiple approvals for minor budget expenses; an organization where performance is measured by compliance with procedures rather than actual results.

Advantages

Ensures compliance; minimizes individual errors.

Disadvantages

Slows down operations; discourages innovation; increases administrative costs.

See also