Organisation Definition and Characteristics

Definition of an Organisation

• A social entity that is goal-oriented and deliberately structured to achieve specific objectives
• Comprises individuals who work together to achieve common goals
• Can be formal or informal, profit or non-profit, and can vary in size and scope

Characteristics of an Organisation

• Formal structure: defined roles, responsibilities, and relationships
• Goals and objectives: clear purpose and direction
• Division of labour: tasks are divided among individuals and teams
• Coordination and communication: systems are in place to facilitate interaction and collaboration
• Authority and decision-making: defined lines of authority and decision-making processes

Types of Organisations

• Business organisations: profit-oriented, e.g. corporations, small businesses
• Non-profit organisations: mission-driven, e.g. charities, educational institutions
• Government organisations: public sector, e.g. government agencies, public hospitals
• Hybrid organisations: combine characteristics of different types, e.g. social enterprises

Organisational Structure

• Functional structure: departments based on functions, e.g. marketing, finance
• Divisional structure: departments based on products, geographic locations, or customer groups
• Matrix structure: combination of functional and divisional structures
• Flat structure: minimal hierarchy, e.g. start-ups, small businesses
• Tall structure: many levels of management, e.g. large corporations

Organisational Culture

• Values and beliefs: shared by members, influence behaviour and decision-making
• Norms and expectations: unwritten rules and standards of behaviour
• Symbols and artefacts: tangible representations of culture, e.g. logos, uniforms
• Culture types: clan, adhocracy, market, hierarchy (Deal and Kennedy's framework)

Definition and Characteristics of Organisations

• An organisation is a social entity that is goal-oriented and deliberately structured to achieve specific objectives, comprising individuals working together to achieve common goals.
• Organisations can be formal or informal, profit or non-profit, and vary in size and scope.
• Key characteristics of an organisation include a formal structure with defined roles and responsibilities, clear goals and objectives, division of labour, coordination and communication systems, and authority and decision-making processes.

Types of Organisations

• Business organisations are profit-oriented, such as corporations and small businesses.
• Non-profit organisations are mission-driven, such as charities and educational institutions.
• Government organisations are part of the public sector, including government agencies and public hospitals.
• Hybrid organisations combine characteristics of different types, such as social enterprises.

Organisational Structure

• A functional structure organises departments based on functions, such as marketing, finance, and human resources.
• A divisional structure organises departments based on products, geographic locations, or customer groups.
• A matrix structure combines functional and divisional structures.
• A flat structure has minimal hierarchy, often found in start-ups and small businesses.
• A tall structure has many levels of management, often found in large corporations.

Organisational Culture

• Organisational culture is shaped by shared values and beliefs that influence behaviour and decision-making.
• Norms and expectations are unwritten rules and standards of behaviour that guide organisational culture.
• Symbols and artefacts are tangible representations of culture, such as logos, uniforms, and company traditions.
• Deal and Kennedy's framework identifies four culture types: clan, adhocracy, market, and hierarchy.