Abstract
Bureaucracy is frequently viewed as being detrimental to certain aspects of professionalism. This paper examines the relationship between bureaucratic structure and degree of professional autonomy within the client-professional relationship.
Perceived autonomy of physicians in three types of bureaucratic settings–non-bureaucratic, moderately bureaucratic, and highly bureaucratic–are compared. The data reveal that those associated with the moderately bureaucratic setting are most likely,
and those in the highly bureaucratic setting are least likely, to perceive themselves as autonomous. These findings suggest that there is an optimal level of bureaucratic organization with respect to professional autonomy within the client-professional relationship.
Journal Information
Journal of Health and Social Behavior (JHSB) publishes articles that apply sociological concepts and methods to the understanding of health, illness, and medicine in their social context. Its editorial policy favors those manuscripts
that build and test knowledge in medical sociology, that show stimulating scholarship and clarity of expression, and which, taken together, reflect the breadth of interests of its readership. Published quarterly in March, June, September, and December.
Publisher Information
American Sociological Association Mission Statement: Serving Sociologists in Their Work Advancing Sociology as a Science and Profession Promoting the Contributions and Use of Sociology to Society The American Sociological Association (ASA),
founded in 1905, is a non-profit membership association dedicated to advancing sociology as a scientific discipline and profession serving the public good. With over 13,200 members, ASA encompasses sociologists who are faculty members at
colleges and universities, researchers, practitioners, and students. About 20 percent of the members work in government, business, or non-profit organizations. As the national organization for sociologists, the American Sociological Association,
through its Executive Office, is well positioned to provide a unique set of services to its members and to promote the vitality, visibility, and diversity of the discipline. Working at the national and international levels, the Association aims to articulate policy and impleme nt programs likely to have the broadest possible impact for sociology now and in the future.
