What is the purpose of oversight in bureaucracy?

The purpose of oversight in bureaucracy is fundamentally to ensure efficiency and compliance with laws. Oversight involves monitoring and evaluating the actions and performance of government agencies to guarantee that they are operating effectively and adhering to legislative mandates. It serves as a check on bureaucratic power, promoting accountability and transparency in government activities. This process can involve audits, evaluations, and investigations to assess how well agencies are fulfilling their responsibilities and utilizing federal resources.

Establishing new policies, negotiating international agreements, and promoting public awareness of federal actions are important functions of the government but do not specifically define the oversight role within bureaucratic systems. While these functions might be influenced by oversight processes, they are distinctly separate from the primary goal of ensuring that government agencies comply with laws and operate efficiently.