Theory of Bureaucratic Caring

The theory was generated from qualitative research involving health professionals and patients in the hospital setting.

The theory implies that there is a dialectical relationship (thesis, antithesis, synthesis) between the human (person & nurse) dimension of spiritual-ethical caring and the structural (nursing, environment) dimensions of the bureaucracy or organizational culture (technological, economic, political, legal and social).  

The Model is holographic, illuminating the holistic nature of caring & synthesis of the humanistic systems and technologic, economic, political, legal systems.

Major Concepts:

  • Caring
  • Spiritual-Ethical Caring
  • Educational
  • Physical
  • Socio-cultural
  • Legal
  • Technological
  • Economic
  • Political 

Major Assumptions


  • Nursing/Caring
  • Person/Cultural Being
  • Health
  • Environment/Culture of Organization