The organizational structure of your business refers to the way management levels are established, and the way decisions are made and implemented to achieve your desired goals. As a business owner or company leader, it’s your responsibility to decide whether the organizational structure that underlies your business is formal or informal. Show
These are not mutually exclusive choices, because a business can have a formal structure and still operate with the characteristics that define an informal structure. However, understanding the differences between a formal and informal organizational structure can help you make the best decision for your business. Formal Organizational Structure ElementsIn a formal organizational structure, the management and divisions within a company are typically written and explained so all employees understand how things work. This documentation may take the form of an organizational chart that visually depicts how each level of management works to prevent misunderstandings. Formal structure organizations usually have a hierarchical pyramid structure with a company president, CEO and senior managers at the top; mid-level managers in the middle; low-level managers at the bottom. Staff employees are expected to implement decisions and processes made at the levels above them, and they are not usually solicited for their opinions or ideas about how the company should operate. Informal Organizational Structure ElementsIn an informal organizational structure, your business doesn’t operate under the guidelines of a written document that spells out the rules, regulations and chain-of-command. Under this structure, your business operates by a system developed by your employees who have proven effective. This structure relies on relationships forged between staff members, cooperation between teams and communication that focuses on achieving shared goals. Informal structures are unique for every company, because they are based on the personalities of your employees and collaborative techniques developed over time. Advantages of Formal and Informal Organizational StructuresThe primary advantage of a formal organizational structure is that it clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities of every employee, from the top level to a staff member. As a result, everyone in your company knows what they have to do and how they’re supposed to achieve desired goals. The formal chain of command also keeps work processes under your control, because there is an established method of decision-making and implementation of your directives. The major advantage of an informal organizational structure is that it’s highly adaptable to change. If your business must respond to external influences that demand an organizational shift, an informal structure is fluid enough for you to make that change quickly and efficiently. Disadvantages of Formal and Informal StructuresThe main disadvantage of a formal organizational structure is that decisions take a long time to move down management levels to the rank-and-file, and there is often a disconnect between executives and staff employees because they don’t interact very often. The primary disadvantage of an informal organizational structure is that things can become too informal, which can lead to disorganization, confusion and misinterpreted communication. Another disadvantage is that because your business lacks a centralized management structure, employees may take advantage of that freedom to make decisions that are not well thought out. What is an informal organization?
An informal organization is a group of people who share a common identity and are committed to achieving a common purpose. Informal organizations are created by the will and shared identity of their members. The operation of an organization, in reality, is known as an informal organization as opposed to a formal organization, which is based on roles and responsibilities. Informal organizations emerge from the interaction or communication between employees irrespective of their designations and hierarchies. It runs parallel to a formal organization. DefinitionAccording to Chester Barnard, "an informal organization is an aggregate of interpersonal relationships without any conscious purpose but which may contribute to joint results." According to Schein, an informal organization exists in the sense that it has no legal existence, no legal boundaries, no membership roster, no tangible assets, no formal structure, and no official leadership. The distinguishing feature of an informal organization is the social fabric that binds its members together with a common identity. Concept and TypesInformal organizations have no fixed rules or hierarchies defined between people. It is fluid and dynamic in its form. Both formal and informal groups coexist in an organization and are essential for efficient functioning. We can classify informal organizations into three groups that are defined by the similarities and dissimilarities of the work performed by the members of each group. These are listed below:
Such groups promote better communication and quick access to the issues arising in the organization.
Example of Informal OrganizationMembers of the sales team join every day for lunch with the human resource team. Another example of such informal groups is that sales team personnel help tech development employees to figure out the requirements of the product. Features of Informal Organization
Difference Between A Formal and Informal Organization
Functions of Informal OrganizationInformal organizations have several important functions. They are:
Importance of Informal Organization
AdvantagesThe informal organization has several advantages. They are:
DisadvantagesConflicts Informal grouping gives rise to conflicts because multiple people tend to boss each other. To achieve social satisfaction sometimes, the members slip away from formal organizational timelines, thereby decreasing productivity. Rumors With communication between different members across departments, there are chances of rumors getting spread quickly. Spreading of wrong information disrupts the work environment hampering the work balance. Conformity People share common interests in clubs to form groups. However, when a non-conforming member joins this group they may be pressured to conform to the group which can be against the organizational interests. This can be a cause of harassment or physical abuse. Change Resistance Informal groups can create resistance to the rules or strategies set by the management and cause difficulty in implementation. An informal group may restrict modifications in the work environment. Recently Updated Pages Banking and E-Banking – Definition, Types, Functions and FAQs Business Environment - Definition, Components, Dimensions & Examples Planning Premises - Introduction to Planning Premises, Importance, and Types Revenue Deficit - Differences, Calculations, Formula and Disadvantages Organizing - Meaning, Process, and In Every Aspect of Life Importance of Consumer Protection - Explanation and FAQs In what ways can informal groups affect a business?In what ways can informal groups affect a business? Informal groups can be powerful forces in organizations. They can restrict output, or they can help managers through tight spots. They can cause disagreement and conflict, or they can help to boost morale and job satisfaction.
Which of the following is a potential benefit of an informal organization?An informal leader: often engages in behaviors that sustain the group's cohesiveness. Which of the following is a potential benefit of an informal organization? It provides a safety valve for employee emotions.
What is the advantage of an organization that is unstructured and informal?What is the advantage of an organizational structure that is unstructured and informal? The structure is more adaptable to the environment.
What is informal organization quizlet?Informal Organization. an organization that does not have established patterns of relationships between employees. The leaders emerge as members of the group elect them to represent the group as a whole.
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