The obsession for appropriation : how the bureaucratic need for publicity has resulted in tragedy

Author

Nick Kistenmacher

Date of Award

8-1999

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Political Science

Major Professor

Anthony Nownes

Committee Members

Patricia Freeland, Thomas W Ungs

Abstract

This thesis examines what has happened as a result of bureaucracies placing more importance on their budget appropriations than on doing what the agency was created for to the best of its abilities. Two case studies were observed, the 1986 Challenger disaster and the 1993 BATF raid on the Branch Davidians outside of Waco, Texas. In addition, different contemporary views of bureaucracy, checks on the bureaucracy, and the role of the media were examined in order to help understand how these events transpired. The conclusion reached is that it is extremely rare that bureaucrats make mistakes that result in disaster. However, in the two case studies, the bureaucratic need for mass media coverage and increasing appropriations superseded better and more rational decision making. The Challenger and Waco tragedies could have been easily avoided. Unfortunately, many lives were lost unnecessarily.

Recommended Citation

Kistenmacher, Nick, "The obsession for appropriation : how the bureaucratic need for publicity has resulted in tragedy. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1999.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/9882