...to pursue common interests and goals and based on various other attributes (Robbins et. al., 2001) . Within organizations, generally there are two main types of groups that are formed; formal groups and informal groups. Formal groups are formed by the systematic and deliberate grouping of people in an organization based on the organizational needs in order to achieve certain set organizational goals, whereas informal groups are formed spontaneously and naturally by employees of an organization when they work or interact with each other over a period of time (Australian National University, 2006). This essay list the functions of these groups, formal and informal, in an organization set-up along with the advantages and disadvantages of each for an organization. In the last part, it mentions how the understanding of the group behaviour can be used by the managers to perform effective management. During the course of the essay, different theories and concepts are used to justify the points and opinions made. These theories and concepts include division of labour theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, social identity theory, balance theory and groupthink theory. Formal groups are the groups that are formed and defined according the organization structure and have designated work duties, tasks and responsibilities (Australian National University, 2006). In these formal groups the activities performed by the individuals are limited and the communication in these groups takes...
Words: 2393 - Pages: 10
...------------------------------------------------- Informal organization The informal organization is the interlocking social structure that governs how people work together in practice. It is the aggregate of, norms, personal and professional connections through which work gets done and relationships are built among people who share a common organizational affiliation or cluster of affiliations. It consists of a dynamic set of personal relationships, social networks, communities of common interest, and emotional sources of motivation. The informal organization evolves, and the complex social dynamics of its members. Tended effectively, the informal organization complements the more explicit structures, plans, and processes of the formal organization: it can accelerate and enhance responses to unanticipated events, foster innovation, enable people to solve problems that require collaboration across boundaries, and create footpaths showing where the formal organization may someday need to pave a way. Contents * 1 The informal organization and the formal organization * 2 Functions of informal organizations * 2.1 Perpetuate the cultural and social values * 2.2 Provide social status and satisfaction * 2.3 Promote communication among members * 2.4 Provide social control * 3 Disadvantages of informal groups * 3.1 Resistance to change * 3.2 Role conflict * 3.3 Rumor * 3.4 Conformity * 4 Benefits of the informal organization * 4.1 Blend...
Words: 1996 - Pages: 8
...Business Communication in Government Organization Introduction Organizational communication is an area of study that examines the complex communicative behaviors which occur in organizational settings. Organizational communication occurs when a group of people working together and communicate to each other in order to achieve individual or collective goals. Communication is been considered a functional part of an organizational system and in interpersonal context. The purpose of organization communication ranges from completing a task or mission to creating and maintaining satisfying human relationships within the organization. The structure of an organization is determined in part by the network of channels or paths along which information must flow between members or sub-units within the organization. Communication networks in government organization In the past, the concern of management of large bureaucratic structure such as government organization, in which the major focus of the organizational communication literature, was formal and top-down communication. The government needs systems for controlling the flow of information in order to balance the structure. Today, informal communication in which is generally associated with interpersonal, horizontal communication is primarily seen as a potential contribution to effective organizational performance. On-going, dynamic, and non-formal, if not informal, communication has become more important to ensuring the...
Words: 2228 - Pages: 9
...THE FORMAL EFFECTS OF INFORMAL GROUPS IN AN ORGANIZATION We know that groups are vital to the understanding of organizational behavior because they are the building blocks of the larger organization. In today’s organization, where productivity and efficiency demand collaboration within and across functional, physical and hierarchical boundaries, collaboration in employee networks has become critical to innovation, and to both individual and company performance. The heavy emphasis on teams and group decision making in today’s organizations only increase the importance of understanding teams and groups for managers. As we have discussed in our class, groups are usually divided into formal and informal groups. Formal group is one deliberately formed by the organization to accomplish specific task and achieve goals. And most managers would put so much emphasis on the creation, maintenance and control of formal structure in getting things done to achieve organizational objectives. According to Parker and Cross (2004), most managers have little understanding of how their employees actually interact to get work done. In fact, organizational charts fail to reveal the often hidden social networks that truly drive or hinder an individual’s performance. Mullins (2010) articulates that informal groups are very powerful social net works which are constructed in response to and through actions of their members. Mullins (2010) further articulates that managers and supervisors frequently...
Words: 1403 - Pages: 6
...school academic counselor helping with students achieve better grades. College professor providing encouragement and support to an undergraduate of making next steps. Youth counselor mentoring at troubled youth. Throughout formal and informal mentoring, all reveal the bottom line of mentoring being worthwhile. However, coming across sources with subject of mentoring many focus on the benefits of mentee and not mentor. Answering the question if benefits do exist for mentors has been...
Words: 1327 - Pages: 6
...Mentoring Program and its impact on employee job performance Table of Contents 1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………. ...3 1.1 Preamble……………………………………………………………………………3 1.1.1 Historical development …………………………………………………….. . 4 1.1.2 Benefits of mentoring program ……………………………………………….4 1.2 Research problem…………………………………………………………… ….. ..5 1.3Research questions……………………………………………………………….....5 1.4 Objectives of the study………………………………………………………….....6 1.5 Scope……………………………………………………………………………....6 1.6 Limitations………………………………………………………………….. …....6 1.7 Assumptions ………………………………………………………………...........7 1.8 Keywords…………………………………………………………………………7 2. Methodology………………………………………………………………………….8 2.1 Research design…………………………………………………………………...8 2.2 Steps to conduct research ………………………………………………………...9 2.3 population …………………………………………………………………… …..8 2.3.1 Frame of reference………………………………. ……………………………8 2.4 Sample and sampling methods……………………………………………………9 2.5 Instrument selection ………………………………………………………. …….9 2.6 Variables ………………………………………………………………….......... 9 2.7 Hypotheses ……………………………………………………………………….9 2.8 Statistical tools ………………………………………………………………………...10 2.9 Required resources……………………………………………………………….10 References …………………………………………………………………………...11 - 1. Introduction 1.1 Preamble A mentor is an individual, who is more experienced and helps another individual in career advancement, development and general guidance about personal life. The Merriam-Webster Online...
Words: 2503 - Pages: 11
...different methods. All organizations need to be aware of the communication patterns that may occur within their environment. Weather...
Words: 1442 - Pages: 6
...This research paper will help me explain what evolved trends formal organizations will likely have in the future. Since, the structure of formal organizations have a more conventional bureaucratic organizational they may profit in implementing a more flexible organizational structure. Some of the areas that I will investigate are: how formal organizations have evolved over the past century, the differences between formal and informal organizations, what are the current trends in formal organizations, and what are the characteristics needed for formal organizations to evolve. Formal Organizations Over The Past Century: Max Weber developed a typology of organizations from ancient China to modern industrial society, providing the foundation for the sociology of organizations. In particular, Weber was concerned with what he considered to be the most rational form of organization, the bureaucracy, and the authority embedded in it. Weber noted that bureaucracies, prior to industrialization, were large and efficient but were guided by the patrimonial culture and the ruling aristocracy. (In World of Sociology, 2001.) In past centuries formal organizations functioned under what is called conventional bureaucracy. The ideal typical model of Bureaucracy given by Max Weber is the milestone in understanding the functioning of modern government. The Weberian model categorically focuses on two dimensions (i)The Structural, relating to the hierarchical arrangement of positions...
Words: 1405 - Pages: 6
...communicated through formal or informal channels. To illustrate this further, Chapter One of your textbook discusses formal and informal channels of communication. Provide an example of formal communication and an example of informal communication. In our text it states “Formal patterns of organizational communication follow the power hierarchy within organizations, whereas informal patterns of organizational communication do not necessarily follow along power hierarchy lines” (Kreps, 2011 p. 1.5). Larger corporate organizations usually rely on formal communication networks whereas smaller organizations use informal communication chains. One example of formal communication is when an organization pushes information down such as new rules concerning leave policies or internet use. An example of informal communications would be when a manager gives his secretary advance notice that a new position or training opportunity will be available soon to help her advance. Which type of communication do your prefer in a work environment? Why? I prefer the informal communication type in my work environment. In the formal type, information and orders are often pushed down from the higher ups but is seldom adequately explained. In some cases conflicting information is given from different managers who have not talked to each other before sending orders. I believe that managers who employ the informal communication tactic. Employees feel more invested in an organization if they feel that...
Words: 275 - Pages: 2
...The Evolution of Formal Organizations Sociology SOC/210 The Evolutions of Formal Organizations The interesting thing about formal organizations is that there is not just one kind of formal organization. Formal organizations arise out of and are necessary to informal organization; but when formal organizations come into operation, they create and require informal organizations (Barnard, C. I. 1962). There are actually three forms of formal organizations. The first type of organization is a normative organization. This organization can be joined voluntarily out of a common interest and to perhaps gain some form of prestige. Next we have the coercive formal organization. These types of organizations people are actually forced to join into the organization. We then have utilitarian organizations; these organizations are joined voluntarily and will provide the member with material rewards. Most formal organizations will have their own forms of rules and regulations that members will have to follow to continue within an organization. Formal organizations are known to be systems with activities that are very carefully controlled. The modern day formal organizations are still very much structures much in a manner that incorporates more members of that organization. Organizations remain driven by repetitive practices that have worked for the organizations for years and therefore are rarely changed. Organizations are very driven to be proven as legitimate and want to have longevity...
Words: 1122 - Pages: 5
...‘Without effective communication, organization cannot perform Well, management cannot discharge its functions smoothly and the whole business is reduced to a standstill. For business, communication matters a lot as is evident from the following points :- 1. Efficient working of the business Communication is essential for successful and smooth running of an enterprise. It is through communication that healthy and conducive environment is created, organizational goals and policies are conveyed to the employees. 2 Communication failures : Costly The communication failures often prove costly for an organization, They directly result into stoppage of production and loss of time and indirectly create ill-will and low morale among the employees and affect productivity and production. 3 Basis of managerial functions Communication is helpful to the management in discharging various functions, which are as follows :- (a) Anticipation :The most important function of the management is to anticipate the future of their products and prospects in the light of social, economic and political environment of various countries and regions. b) Innovations : In the era of rapid advancements in technology the organizations have to continuously learn and innovate. c) Planning : Framing of various plans, policies, programmes and procedures require thorough communication among employees and various executive. d) Organizing : Organization is concerned with deciding the...
Words: 858 - Pages: 4
...of Project Management True/False 1. The performance of an organization or a project s influenced largely by how well its resources are organized 2. A single organizational structure is best for all organizations regardless of strategy. 3. An organization’s structure reveals the formal groupings and specializations of activities. 4. The Project Organization is based upon organizing resources to perform specialized tasks or activities in order to attain the goals of the organization. 5. The Functional Organization is based upon organizing resources to perform specialized tasks or activities in order to attain the goals of the organization. 6. Breadth, depth of knowledge and experience are advantages for projects sponsored by organizations with functional structures. 7. The Project Organizational structure supports clear authority and responsibility, improved communication and high levels of integration. 8. Disadvantages of the Project Organizational structure include project isolation, duplication of effort and projectitis. 9. Projectitis sometimes occurs when the project manager and project team develop a strong attachment to the project and to each other. 10. Unity of Command is violated when a project team member has only one direct superior. 11. The main feature of the Matrix Organizational structure is the ability to integrate areas and resources throughout an organization. 12. High potential for conflict and poor response time are disadvantages...
Words: 1583 - Pages: 7
...Communication Networks: Formal vs. Informal Communication Communication skills are essential for everyone in the business organization whether it is for business executives, sales employees or even labor workers. An example would be how sales representatives of the company are required be eloquent and persuasive speakers in order for them to be able to sell the products or how labor workers in the chemical factory also need to communicate effectively in order to avoid delay in production or conflicts or how business executives are able to convey their visions and delegate tasks to their subordinates. However, to reach optimal effectiveness in communication, simply having leaders or employees with good communication skills are not sufficient for business to succeed as it only accounts for small degree of communication effectiveness. Organization needs to develop effective communication networks for employers and employees to communicate throughout the organization structure. To be more specific, it is how organization improves the communication flow within and across each business departments. Communication networks are categorized into two categories: Formal and Informal Communication Networks. However the question remains whether which types of communication networks are more effective. Formal Communication The best way to describe formal communication networks is what is known as organizational chart. It is simply a system designed by management to dictate how communication...
Words: 1112 - Pages: 5
...It was stating from 1923 at California and it is still so popular in movie, TV program, theme parks, resorts and destination, entertainment, and games. The Walt Disney Company is a diversifies worldwide entertainment company with operations in four major business parts which are studio entertainment, parks and resorts, media networks and consumer products. They have 11 theme parks around the world, cable television network like Disney channel and ESPN. After precisely doing several research and analysis towards the Walt Disney Company, we would like to discuss three major topic regarding about what environmental factors that influenced its management style, what type of organizational structure it is, and how and where might the informal organization be a real asset at Disney? Management style is particularly important during crisis. There are some significant environmental factors constantly affecting the management style of a business, including Disney. Disney has to operate in an extremely complex environment on account of the internationalization of its operations and the strong competition it faces from diverse firms in the entertainment business. These environmental factors are usually unpredictable; therefore the Walt Disney Company must change its management style to align with the environment in order to stay competitive in the complexity of businesses. Some of the environmental factors influenced the management style at Disney are:...
Words: 3022 - Pages: 13
...COMMUNICATION CHANNELS http://www.tutorialspoint.com/management_concepts/communication_channels.htm Copyright © tutorialspoint.com Introduction In an organization, information flows forward, backwards and sideways. This information flow is referred to as communication. Communication channels refer to the way this information flows within the organization and with other organizations. In this web known as communication, a manager becomes a link. Decisions and directions flow upwards or downwards or sideways depending on the position of the manager in the communication web. For example, reports from lower level manager will flow upwards. A good manager has to inspire, steer and organize his employees efficiently, and for all this, the tools in his possession are spoken and written words. For the flow of information and for a manager to handle his employees, it is important for an effectual communication channel to be in place. The Working of a Communication Channel Through a modem of communication, be it face-to-face conversations or an inter-department memo, information is transmitted from a manager to a subordinate or vice versa. An important element of the communication process is the feedback mechanism between the management and employees. In this mechanism, employees inform managers that they have understood the task at hand while managers provide employees with comments and directions on employee's work. Importance of a Communication Channel ...
Words: 925 - Pages: 4
