Organizations, also spelled as “Organisation”, are a formal structure of people, resources, and activities with the objective of achieving a certain goal. They are established to accomplish specific activities, duties or functions in an organised manner. Organizations possess a clearly defined structure and hierarchy of power, specific roles and responsibilities, and a set of policies and procedures which govern their activities.
Organisations can exist in various forms, such as a commercial enterprise, a non-profit organisation, a government department, or even a sports team. Their activities and functions are determined by their type and purpose. For example, a commercial enterprise would aim to make a profit while a non-profit organisation would aim to provide services to the community.
One way to understand the concept of an organisation is to compare it with unorganised activities or actions. When a group of people engages in an activity without a well-defined structure, plans or rules, this is referred to as an unorganised activity. Such activities do not have a defined goal, timeline or strategies in place. Conversely, an organization is characterised by clear goals, strategies, policies, procedures, and a structure that facilitates the achievement of objectives.
Organisations have a lot of benefits when compared with unorganised activities. For instance, organisations are more likely to achieve their goals than those which are not structured. By having a hierarchical structure, organisations can direct and ensure that resources are used appropriately, and tasks are completed efficiently.
Additionally, by having a clear direction, members of an organisation can work towards a common goal, and the activities planned and carried out enables tasks to be completed effectively, on time and within the resources available. This results in a high level of productivity which can be measured and improved over time.
Another benefit of organisations is that they possess the benefit of supervision or oversight. There is usually a clearly defined chain of command within organisations which facilitates decision making, problem-solving and conflict resolution. This means that members are held accountable for their roles and duties and it becomes easy to identify and rectify any issues which may arise.
However, organising activities can have some disadvantages too. One of the most significant drawbacks is the high degree of bureaucracy that can often be associated with organisations. This may lead to unnecessary bureaucracy which could impact their efficiency.
Likewise, organisations that are too hierarchical or bureaucratic tend to be less innovative and rigid than those which offer a level of flexibility. This can stymie change or progress within the organisation and hinder its ability to adapt to new changes in the market, for example.
Furthermore, the larger and more complex an organisation becomes, the more complicated its hierarchical structure becomes. This can lead to a communication breakdown, increased bureaucracy, red tape, and potentially overshadow the main objective of the organisation.
FAQs
Q. What are the different types of organisations?
A. The various types of organizations include commercial enterprise, non-profit organization, Government organization, community-based organizations, and more.
Q. How do organizations work?
A. Organizations are made up of individual people who work together to achieve a common goal. Each individual is given specific roles and responsibilities to ensure that the goals are met in the most efficient way possible. Communication within the organization is essential for coordination and collaboration.
Q. Can an organization be both profitable and nonprofit?
A. Yes, an organization can be both profitable and non-profit. A company can make a profit while also engaging in activities that support its charitable or social objectives.
Q. What are the advantages of being a part of an organization?
A. Being part of an organization can provide job security, opportunities for professional development and growth, and the chance to work towards a specific goal with like-minded people.
Conclusion
Organisations are considered essential in fulfilling specific objectives, whether commercial, social or government-oriented. They provide clear-cut structures, guidelines and a certain level of bureaucracy to facilitate the implementation of strategies that result in the desired outcome. However, they can also be cumbersome and rigid if the structure becomes too complicated, and the bureaucracy overshadows the reason for the organization’s existence. In essence, organisations are fundamental in driving progress and achieving strategic goals.