Coordinating Formal and Informal Organizations | Commerce & Accountancy Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Coexistence of Formal and Informal Organization

The coexistence of informal and formal organization is inevitable in management. To overcome challenges associated with informal organization, managers should integrate both, ensuring that informal structures align with the formal goals of the organization. Formal and informal structures complement each other, and recognizing the value of both is crucial for organizational success.

Ways to Integrate Formal and Informal Structures

• Overcoming Resistance to Change:
  • Approach: Educate employees through training programs about the necessity and importance of formal objectives.
• Reducing Role Conflict:
  • Strategy: Integrate individual goals with organizational goals to enhance productivity by aligning personal interests with formal objectives.
• Flexibility in Formal Organization:
  • Action: Ensure formal structures are flexible, allowing the incorporation of individual talents and creativity.
• Aligning Group Norms:
  • Initiative: Managers should ensure that group norms align with formal organizational goals, promoting efficient goal attainment.
• Recognizing Informal Relationships:
  • Understanding: Acknowledge the need for workers to interact informally during long working hours, recognizing the value of informal relationships.
• Utilizing Informal Channels:
  • Strategic Use: Managers should leverage informal channels for spreading important official information, preventing the spread of gossip and rumors.
• Group Problem Solving:
  • Encouragement: Allow members to discuss their problems in groups, fostering collaboration and problem-solving within informal settings.
• Involving Informal Leaders:
  • Strategy: Take leaders of informal groups into confidence while developing organizational plans and policies, ensuring smooth acceptance by transitional members.