Organisation Definition and Characteristics

Study Notes

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.

Description

Learn about the definition and characteristics of an organisation, including its formal structure, goals, and division of labour. Understand how organisations achieve their objectives and vary in size and scope.