The Iron Law and its consequences
Science Fiction writer and futurist Jerry Pournelle once famously wrote a maxim concerning organizations: “First, there will be those who are devoted to the goals of the organization…Secondly, there will be those dedicated to the organization itself. The Iron Law states that in every case the second group will gain and keep control of the organization. It will write the rules, and control promotions within the organization.”
In our world today bureaucracy is a necessity. There is a tremendous amount of coordinating the day to day work of the city: water management, road repair, sanitation and waste, and far more. Unfortunately, over time, leadership and administration begin to operate in ways that emphasize the institution of city government against the original mission of serving the people. Prioritization will be given to increased headcount, protecting procedures, and growing budgets instead of operating with fiscal restraint or increased citizen convenience. Decisions will be made behind closed doors- shielded from public knowledge via bureaucratic red tape. Preferences will be given to rubber stamp the bureaucracy’s wishes rather than the public’s.
The measures to resist this unavoidable tendency are continual civic pressure and structural restraint. We must all stay informed. The Iron Law does not expire. This is not a once-for-all solution. Over time, reformers get tired, political machines rebuild, and those who are attracted to power or prestige will attempt to wrest control. We must all, periodically, disrupt the cycle to prevent the hardening of bad polity and chisel away that which does not serve the people.