Running head: INFORMAL AND FORMAL ORGANIZATIONS 1

Organizational Behaviour

Discussion Question #6

Joselie Jacobs

November 4th, 2017

Running head: INFORMAL AND FORMAL ORGANIZATIONS 2

An informal work group is a group formed by employees of an organization that does not come
with direction from management but simply because group members have a shared common interest..
According to an article by Traci Schatz, formal and informal structures can be beneficial or
disadvantageous to a company depending on how well they are understood and used. Both structures
have an importance and companies should take their time to analyse how they can work together to
benefit them. The Informal Structures can be used to the companys advantage and consider it as a part
of the formal role. An informal work group gives employees an opportunity to gather in their groups
comfortably and discuss concerns about management openly with little fear of consequence. It is
possible that management pays more attention, because they know that the outcome was reached with
the input of employees who are motivated to form the group. Informal groups can help in creating a
positive working environment, which can include raising awareness for environmental awareness,
helping co- workers raise funds for worthy causes, and do simple gestures to spark up the happiness
and teamwork. By having these kinds of activities employees understand how important it is to like the
place you work and the people you work with.

References
Running head: INFORMAL AND FORMAL ORGANIZATIONS 3

Ferrazzi, K. (2013, April 12) How to Avoid Virtual Miscommunication. Retrieved from:
https://hbr.org/2013/04/how-to-avoid-virtual-miscommun
Lewis, C. L. (2011, September 4) Miscommunication, the bane of social media! Or is it just me?
Retrieved from: https://lindacassidylewis.com/2011/09/04/miscommunication-the-bane-
of-social-media-or-is-it-just-me/