Unravelling Bureaucracy: Research on Administrative Burdens in the Public Sector
Lina Rachow earns her PhD with research on administrative burdens in public organizations. Her findings reveal how employees perceive bureaucracy and how organizations can improve efficiency.
On June 23, 2025, Lina Rachow defended her dissertation at Eindhoven University of Technology. As part of the Human Performance Management (HPM) research group, she explored how administrative burdens impact employees鈥� work experiences, well-being, and performance in the public sector.
Administrative Burdens and Work Experience
Administrative tasks are often perceived as barriers to efficiency and job satisfaction. In public organizations, excessive bureaucracy can lower engagement and productivity. Rachow investigated how employees subjectively experience administrative burdens and the factors shaping their perceptions.
The Impact of Bureaucracy
Her research demonstrates that the perception of bureaucracy is influenced not only by the number of administrative tasks but also by how they are structured. Lengthy and fragmented administrative work tends to evoke negative emotions and reduce motivation.
Additionally, she found that proactive regulatory strategies play a significant role in mitigating the negative effects of administrative tasks. Employees who actively manage their workload and organize their tasks experience less bureaucracy and greater job satisfaction.
What Can Organizations Do?
The study offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to reduce administrative burdens. By optimizing task structures and equipping employees with strategies to shape their work, public institutions can lessen bureaucracy and enhance workplace satisfaction.
defended her dissertation on June 23, 2025.
Title of the dissertation:
Supervisors: Evangelia Demerouti, , and Sonja Rispens