140 iv) Major
purpose Ab Using Structure Organisations can be classified into formal and informal organisations using structuring as a criterion. The formal organisation comprises patterns of relationships, communication channels and authority structure recognised by management for the purpose of achieving the goals of the organization. These patterns are the result of conscious decisions of management directed at goal accomplishment. The formal organisation is characterised by clearly defined roles, jobs, hierarchical structure, rules, procedures and pattern of relationships.
On the other hand, informal organisation exists in the context of the formal organisation but does not officially form part of it. Informal organisations exist to serve certain needs of members of the formal organisation which are outside the scope of the formal organisation and which the formal organisation may find difficult to serve. Common informal groups in our organisations are Esusu group, prayer groups such as fellowships, social or economic groups such as cooperative societies,
ethnic associations, cult groups, etc. whose primary role is to protector advance the interests of members employed in the organisation. Informal organisations have objectives, structure of roles,
patterns of communication, leadership, rules, regulations and procedures. Inmost cases, these patterns/features are written into a constitution adopted by members. Informal organizations are so-called because they are not prescribed by management organization. Since informal organizations emerge out of the formal organisation to serve the economic, social, psychological and
cultural needs of its members, their activities may have positive or negative effect on the ability of the formal organisation to achieve its goals. When the interest of the informal organization does not conflict with those of the formal organisation, their operation may indeed benefit the formal organisation. However, when their goals are in conflict with those of the organisation, their existence and operation may have negative effect on the formal organisation. Examples of this are the operation of cult groups in higher institutions where they create a high sense of insecurity for the entire community and hence jeopardise attainment of the formal organization.
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