Evolution Of Formal Organizations

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“Evolution of Formal Organizations” Mitzi Agnew Sociology July 3, 2011 Patricia Sutton University of Phoenix When we shed the focus on formal organizations many things often come to mind. We often think of things such as what is a formal organization, who can be a part of this formal organization, and last but not least what is the purpose of this formal organization? Organizations have a formal structure which is the way that the organization is organized by those with responsibility for managing the organization. They create the formal structures that enable the organization to meet its stated objectives (http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/theory/theory--company--308.php#ixzz1R3FBqkBL). Each organization should have their own guidelines set so they will know the individual role of each person within the organization. These guidelines are often set up on paper to cut down on any confusion later on. Rules, regulations, and procedures are central features of human society. Every citizen lives with social systems such as legal, administrative, and taxation rules and regulations. These systems guide, constrain, and protect individual actions in the society. Formal systems also play a central role in modern organizations. Max Weber (1946) saw the establishment of formal rules, regulations, and procedures as a defining characteristic of bureaucracy that distinguished “modern” formal organizations from earlier forms of organization. Leblebici and Salancik (1989) characterized a body of rules that define appropriate conduct as an essential element of corporate groups and organizations. We use “organization system” as an umbrella concept to describe these formal rules, regulations, and procedures in modern organizations. Perrow captured the important yet complex role of formal rules and regulations by stating that: “Rules have several applications in, and effects on

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