Final answer:
There is a lack of standardized bureaucratic procedures and cultural uniformity across the federal bureaucracy due to the need for flexibility in the modern workplace, the complexity and resistance to change of established bureaucracies, their historical design that perpetuates existing power structures, and the diverse and specialized nature of different agencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of why there is no standardized bureaucratic procedures and cultural uniformity across the federal bureaucracy can be explained through several factors.
Firstly, the necessity for organizations to operate at a faster pace and adaptability in today's workplace means that stringent adherence to rules and a strict division of labor may not always be conducive to efficiency.
Moreover, once bureaucracies are established, their large scale and complex nature can make them resistant to change, akin to 'trying to turn a tanker around mid-ocean'.
Another contributing factor is that bureaucracies were historically designed to perpetuate the existing balance of power, often privileging the paths of traditionally white, male-dominated establishments. While designed to be meritocratic, this can inadvertently sustain existing power structures.
Additionally, bureaucracies aim to avoid partisanship and personal favoritism, which means they tend to be characterized by impersonality, sometimes to the detriment of individualized customer service – as seen in organizations like Walmart.
Moreover, governmental structures have faced challenges in maintaining control over bureaucracies due to intrinsic complexities and external pressures such as budget crises. Bureaucracies like the IRS, which operate similarly to private monopolies, often lack competition, leading to inefficiency and unresponsiveness to client needs.
Lastly, the sheer diversity and size of the federal bureaucracy, with various agencies tasked with specific functions, oppose a one-size-fits-all approach.