Formal Organization Informal Organization
Formal Organization
In every enterprise, there are certain rules and Organization procedures that establish work relationships among the employees.
Notably, the management is responsible for designing the formal organization in such a way that it specifies a clear boundary of authority and responsibility.
Again, the management builds the formal organization.
Lastly, it lays more emphasis on the work to be done without stressing much on interpersonal relationships.
Advantages
The formal organization clearly outlines the relationships among employees.
An established chain of commands maintains the unity of command.
In a formal organization, there is a clear definition of rules and procedures.
Finally, it leads to the achievement of organizational goals and objectives.
Disadvantages
Decision making is slow in a formal organization.
It is important to realise that any organizational need has to flow through the respective chain of commands before being addressed.
Formal organization is very rigid in nature.
Lastly, the formal organization does not take into account the social nature of humans as it talks about only structure and work.
Informal Organization
It's easy to understand that if we interact with certain people regularly we tend to get more informal with them.
As a matter of fact, informal organization arises out of the formal organization.
Unlike formal organization, informal organization is fluid and there are no written or predefined rules for it.
Lastly, as there are no defined structures or lines of communication, the interactions can be completely random and independent lines of communication tend to emerge in informal organization.
Advantages
In this type of organization, communication does not need to follow the defined chain.
This implies that communication in an informal organization is much faster relative to formal organization.
The informal organization ensures that there is socialization within the enterprise.
Hence, in informal organization, various limitations of formal organization is covered up.
Disadvantages
The informal organization is random and can result in the spread of rumours.
Again, we cannot manage and control informal organization.
It is important to realise that it is not possible to effect changes and grow without the support of the informal organization.
To point out again, informal organization conforms to group standards and behaviors.
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