The Informal in the Formal of Organizations: The Organizational Structure in Sociological Analysis

Abstract

Based on a sociological stance, this paper seeks to reflect on the formal and informal dimensions in the analysis of organizations. It focuses specifically on the organizational structure and its relationship with the social processes that shape the organizational dynamics. To fulfill this aim, this reflection discusses the concept of organizational structure as a pivotal element of the formal dimension of organizations, as well as its relevance as a key element of organizations. These elements make it unavoidable in any sociological analysis of organizations, whatever their nature, even in studies whose object is more directed to social dynamics and interactions. The results of this article allow concluding that there is heuristicity and, even, an indispensability to establish and analyze the relationship between the formal structure as a framework for the practices that take place in the organization and the existing concrete practices, which is often not simple to operationalize.

Trust in Higher Education Management and Organizational Culture

“…These forms go beyond the pre-existing formal dimension and are simultaneously structure and action, inside-outside of the organization, on the one hand; and, on the other hand, the formal and the informal in the organization and its dynamics (Serdenciuc, 2019;. According to Barbosa, Borges, and Serpa (2021), the potential of analysis that makes the structure of an organization paramount when analysing organizational dynamics is anchored in the relationship between the formal organization (the formally established functioning and the hierarchical relationships) and the informal organization (how the formally established norms and relationships take place in practice, which may diverge significantly from what was formally established).…”

Sociology and Education in an Academic Career

“…The COVID-19 pandemic caused a disruption in life as we were used to (24,25,26,27), even in terms of education and even higher education. One example is the moments of transition to distance learning via the Internet and beyond (24,28,29,30,31), demonstrating the relevance, also, of social sciences in its apprehension and combat (25), and stressing the centrality of being organized and, at the same time, being prepared for the unexpected (32).…”

How Attributes of Organizational Structure Affects Knowledge Management Processes in High-Technology Companies?

“…It determines the place of each participant, and also determines the desired methods of their conduct and behavior. It links the goals and tasks resulting from the strategy and technology of executive processes with people and the ways of influencing them in the work process (Zakrzewska-Bielawska, 2014;Barbosa et al, 2021). "An organizational structure implies the need of communication and decision-making patterns of organizational members" (Twanta et al, 2021).…”