The concept of bureaucracy typically refers to a particular way of organizing the administration of human affairs. It can refer either to a structure of offices or to a process of formulating and implementing policy. As an organization and form of social action, bureaucracy always embodies power and is charged with making binding decisions. It thus conveys some of the original French meaning of the word bureaucratie, combining the idea of office and office holders (bureau) with the notion of rule or power (the Greek term kratia).