Rationalization and bureaucracy: deal-type bureaucracy by Max Weber

Purpose of this study: This article intends to contribute to the discussion of the heuristic and analytical potentialities of the ideal type of bureaucracy proposed by Max Weber for the analysis of contemporary organizations. Methodology: For this essay, a bibliographical research was carried out on this topic, complemented by our experience as sociologists in teaching and research on the organizational theme in some databases, such as Web of Knowledge, DOAJ, SCIELO, and institutional repositories. Findings: For Max Weber, the bureaucracy presents very specific characteristics that differ, in varied situations, from the representation and application often conferred to this model of organizational administration. Implications: Bureaucracy is a notion with great social visibility and is associated with an image where negative aspects are emphasized. However, in discursive records of a scientific nature, bureaucracy is a relevant concept in Sociology and Organizational Theory studies. © Ferreira and Serpa.