The bureaucracy is largely a creation of the modern Western world. Though earlier societies had organizational structures, they were not nearly as effective as the bureaucracy. For example, in traditional societies, officials performed their tasks on the basis of a personal loyalty to their leader. The officials were subject to personal sudden desires or passing impulses rather than impersonal rules. Their offices lacked clearly defined spheres of competence, there was no rigid hierarchy of positions, and officials did not have to obtain technical training to gain a position.

George Ritzer. The McDonalzation of society. Thousand Oaks, Calif. Pine Forges Press, p. 17 (with adaptation).