Another feature of the bureaucratic structure tends to produce much the same result.  Functionaries have the sense of a common destiny for all those who work together.  They share the same interests, especially since there is relatively little competition in so far as promotion is in terms of seniority.  In-group aggression is thus minimized and this arrangement is therefore conceived to be positively functional for the bureaucracy.  However, the esprit de corps and informal social organization which typically develops in such situations often leads the personnel to defend their entrenched interests rather than to assist their clientele and elected higher officials (1968, p. 255).