When bureaucrats operate at cross-purposes, what is often the reason?

When bureaucrats operate at cross-purposes, a common reason is a lack of effective communication among various agencies. This can lead to misunderstandings about the goals, priorities, and responsibilities of different entities within the federal bureaucracy. When communication breaks down, agencies may pursue divergent objectives that do not align with each other, leading to inefficiencies, wasted resources, and conflicts in policy implementation.

Additionally, miscommunication can stem from the complexity of the bureaucratic structure, where numerous agencies may operate under different mandates and with varying levels of autonomy. Without proper coordination and discussion, these agencies might inadvertently work against one another, prioritizing their individual missions over a unified approach to public administration. Thus, effective communication becomes crucial for bureaucratic functions to be synergistic rather than antagonistic.