Sheet 96
CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS
The word "bureaucracy" originated from "bureau", meaning a desk with drawers in which documents are kept. Since ancient times, public administration and related documents have been inseparably bound. Documents produced for the purpose of public administration, often referred to as "official documents", have long been subject to criticism. The phrase itself has become a synonym for any document of an unwieldy nature. The most recurrent criticism of official government documents is outlined below.
1 The Style is Rigid and Unfriendly
Government documents, forms and registers based on legal rights and obligations, usually assume a standard format, which may appear rigid and inflexible. The frequent use of technical or legal terminology may also make these documents appear unfriendly.
2 The Law Stands before All Else
Government documents often attempt to explain or persuade on the strength of their legal references, rather than by the use of clear and simple language. This can result in strictly legal documents which lack any human touch.
3 The Documents are Far too Unwieldy
Government documents must, in the line of public duty, communicate information in the most correct and complete a manner that is possible. Unfortunately, however, this information is often expressed in difficult language and structures that make documents unwieldy and difficult to read.
4 Uninviting Attitude
Government documents attempt only to communicate and achieve their immediate objectives. They make no effort to capture the readers' interest by drawing them into the material in an informative and friendly style.
Government documents play a critical role in communicating with the public. Public administration deals with matters of significance such as people's rights, obligations, property, etc. Government documents must therefore be written unambiguously so as to avoid misinterpretation. As such, criticism against government documents is, to a certain degree, inevitable. It is important, however, to always be conscious of the need for friendly and easily read documents and to work conscientiously towards this goal.
