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Evolution of Formal Organizations

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Evolution of Formal Organizations
Leah Talley-Ficklin
SOC/120
October 16, 2011
Charles Baker

When contrasting formal organizations, one must first understand that a formal

organization typically began as a social group. According to Macionis, J. J. (2006), “A social

group is two or more people who identify and interact with one another”. Within the social group category exists other groups; however; this paper focuses on primary groups and secondary groups. These groups are determined by the type of people, communication, focus, hierarchy, norms, membership criteria, and activities within it. A “primary group” is a relatively small group. The members of this group form a personal bond. Formed much like a family, the individuals identified within this group form long lasting relationships and spend an enormous amount of time together. The members display genuine care for one another. On the other hand, a “secondary group” is the opposite. Within this group, the members are impersonal. The group is ultimately formed to focus on obtaining a specific goal. Additionally, the members of this group refrain from sharing personal information amongst one another, and their emotional ties are relatively weaker than “primary groups”. Formal originations are a large branch of a “secondary group”. A century ago, most business organizations operated under the “primary group” era. People opted to form small businesses with family, friends, and neighbors. Today, businesses have evolved into “secondary groups” in an effort to reach goals more efficiently. Within formal organizations, many structures exist. In this paper, we will contrast a “conventional bureaucratic organizational structure” against a “flexible organizational structure”. A “flexible organizational structure” consists of a CEO (Chief Executive Officer), senior management, and a variety of different

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