organizations, power and language

Max Weber believed that bureaucracy is:

a hierarchical organization designed rationally to coordinate the work of many individuals in the pursuit of large-scale administrative tasks and organizational goals

This is an amoral statement and can be applied to any power that’s goal is to eliminate a people group or to a power that’s goal is to eliminate famine.

The language of any organization is tightly enmeshed with its goals. In fact, enmeshed is too weak a word. Perhaps the word “symbiotic” is better. The organization’s language both issues from as well as supports the organization’s goals.

We would be wise to admit this is what can happen in denominations and local churches. If the church has a goal or vision that the membership must endorse, then no matter how personal and equal the authorities claims to be, this is synthetic. It is a façade meant to control the people and keep them behind the institution’s goals.

Until the people see through it. Then it becomes a power struggle. And that’s the challenge. But here’s how you do it. You can discern the spirit at work by analyzing with a critical eye:

1. the organization’s structure and practices; and
2. the organization’s language in its documents and the speech of the authorities.

You will see that they are one and the same.

And any organization worth its salt will be willing to suffer this kind of scrutiny.