ELEMENTS OF FORMAL ORGANIZATIONS

There is certain elements or characteristic that are commonly seen in most formal organisations. These may include; goal orientation, a division of labour, hierarchy of authority, impersonal orientation, rules and regulations, career orientation, written records/ documentation. These elements according to Peretomode (1991) can be referred to as some key features of 'Weberian Bureaucratic Model'.

1.         Goal orientation:  all organisations are goal oriented. These goals are set to be achieved with the aid of all the available human and material resources. These goals most times could be short or long time goals and their achievement determines the continuous existence of these organisations. Alongside the organisational goals are the individual staff goals which most times influence the attainment of the organisational goals.   This   is   so  because,   if the   individual   goals   are neglected, there would be -low motivation, which directly affects the realisation of organisations official goals. It is, therefore, important to ensure that neither the individual goals nor the organisational goals are sacrificed for another.

2.        Division   of Labour:   organisational   tasks   arc   normally assigned based on functional specialisation. This implies that

The School as a Formal Organization

everyone is allowed to handle the area of tasks he or she is trained "in. There is no room for unspecialized skills or trial and error.

3.        Hierarchy of authority, in this case, positions of members arc, arranged according to their levels of authorities. There are superiors-subordinates or seniors-juniors relationships, The   superiors   supervise   the   actions   and   activities   of subordinates,

4.        Rules and Regulations: each member is guided by specific rules, policies, and procedures (Peretomode,   1991).  The rules    and    regulations,   direct   the    members    on    the organisational  "dos and donuts" in the course of their' duties. They specify the exact ways of work relationships between the superiors and the subordinates. The breach of rules and regulations often results in disciplinary measures melted on the offenders, though after series of warnings and queries.

5         Impersonal orientation: it is expected that workers or heads of units do their duties without personal interests in order not to  show  favouritism  and partiality while  enforcing the organisational    rules    and    regulations.    Rewards    and punishment  are  to be  given  with a  sense  of personal detachment as to ensure equality of treatment of all staff.

6         Written records/ documentation: this has to do with the proper recording and documentations of all the activities, decisions, plans, rules and regulations, policies, instructions etc. of the organisation.

7. Career Orientation: this has to do with the expected qualification status an individual should have before employment in a formal .organization. This may be a degree, diploma or any other certificate. The staff of formal organisations is expected to stay on the job for a very long period of time. They are promoted as at when due and according to their levels of performance.