Question

Which of the following is not true about standard operating procedures?

a. they can provide routine rules to help bureaucrats make numerous everyday decisions
b. they can sometimes be so routined that they are difficult to change even in the face of changing circumstances
c. they are referred to as red tape by those who find them burdensome
d. each federal department and agency has a plum book which lists its standard operating procedures

Answer 1

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) help bureaucrats make routine decisions consistently. Each federal department and agency does not have a plum book listing SOPs. SOPs can become difficult to change, leading to the perception of bureaucracy as burdensome red tape.

Step-by-step explanation:

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a set of routine rules and guidelines that lower-level bureaucrats must follow in their decision-making process. These SOPs can help bureaucrats make numerous everyday decisions in a consistent manner. However, it is not true that each federal department and agency has a plum book which lists its standard operating procedures. The plum book is actually a publication that lists the key political positions available for presidential appointment.

On the other hand, SOPs can sometimes be so rigid and difficult to change that even when circumstances change, bureaucrats may find it challenging to adapt. This can result in a perception of bureaucracy as burdensome, often referred to as red tape by those who criticize the extensive rules and procedures.