What Are Formal Organizations

A formal organization is a social system structured by clearly laid out rules, goals, and practices and that functions based on a division of labor and a clearly defined hierarchy of power. Examples in society are wide-ranging and include business and corporations, religious institutions, the judicial system, schools, and government, among others. Overview of Formal Organizations Formal organizations are designed to achieve certain goals through the collective work of the individuals who are its members. They rely on a division of labor and hierarchy of power and authority to ensure that the work is done in a unified and efficient manner. Within a formal organization, each job or position has a clearly defined set of responsibilities, roles, duties, and authorities to whom it reports. Chester Barnard, a pioneering figure in organizational studies and organizational sociology, and a contemporary and colleague of Talcott  Parsons  observed that what makes a formal organization is the coordination of activities toward a shared objective. This is achieved by three key elements: communication, willingness to act in concert, and a shared purpose. So, we can understand formal organizations as social systems that exist as the sum total of the social relationships among and between individuals and the roles they play. As such, shared norms, values, and practices are necessary for the existence of formal organizations. The following are the shared characteristics of formal organizations: Division of labor and related hierarchy of power and authorityDocumented and shared policies, practices, and goalsPeople act together to achieve a shared goal, not individuallyCommunication follows a specific chain of commandThere is a defined system for replacing members within the organizationThey endure through time  and are not dependent on the existence or participation of specific individuals Three Types of Formal Organizations While all formal organizations share these key characteristics, not all formal organizations are the same. Organizational sociologists identify three different types of formal organizations: coercive, utilitarian, and normative. Coercive organizations  are those in which membership is forced, and control within the organization is achieved through force. Prison is the most fitting example of a coercive organization, but other organizations fit this definition too, including military units, psychiatric facilities, and some boarding schools and facilities for youths. Membership in a coercive organization is compelled by a higher authority, and members must have permission from that authority to leave. These organizations are characterized by a steep power hierarchy, and the expectation of strict obedience to that authority, and the maintenance of daily order. Life is highly routinized in coercive organizations, members typically wear uniforms of some sort that signal their role, rights, and responsibilities within the organization,  and individuality is all but stripped from them. Coercive organizations are similar to the concept of a total institution as formulated by Erving Goffman and further developed by Michel Foucault. Utilitarian organizations are those that people join these because they have something to gain by doing so, like companies and schools, for example. Within this control is maintained through this mutually beneficial exchange. In the case of employment, a person earns a wage for giving their time and labor to the company. In the case of a school, a student develops knowledge and skills and earns a degree in exchange for respecting the rules and authority, and/or paying tuition. Utilitarian organizations are characterized by a focus on productivity and a shared purpose. Finally, normative organizations are those in which control and order are maintained through a shared set of morals and commitment to them. These are defined by voluntary membership, though for some membership comes from a sense of duty. Normative organizations include churches, political parties or groups, and social groups like fraternities and sororities, among others. Within these, members are unified around a cause that is important to them. They are socially rewarded for their participation by the experience of a positive collective identity, and a sense of belonging and of purpose. -Updated by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Review of Study McSweeneys Hofstedes Model of National...

McSweeney, B. (2002) Hofstedes model of national cultural differences and their consequences: A triumph of faith a failure of analyses, Human Relations, 55, 1: 89-118 Name Institution Professor Course Date Introduction The research article by McSweeney (2002) ascertains that within every management disciplines, crucial literatures that presuppose that every nation holds its distinctive, describable and influential culture. According to McSweeney (2002), culture shapes every aspect of nature. The author discusses the foundation through which influential national culture exists. The article outlines Hofstedes assertions that he empirically identified manifold national cultures or disparities between such cultures through disputing five vital methodological assumptions he made. The article also puts into consideration the probability of a determinate link between uniform national establishments and national culture. McSweeney (2002) criticizes the methodology used by Hofstede. Methodologies are systems utilized by researchers in data collection and analysis. Methodology is concerned with the justification and option of research methods, and founded on the conclusions of the researcher. Moreover, metho dology is important in the view that it depends on the beliefs and values of those involved in the process of research. Hofstedes Findings and Methodology Hofstede studies national culture as a specified regularity that modes common values. He adopt deterministic andShow MoreRelatedHofstede Cultural Difference Critiques2337 Words   |  10 PagesContents Introduction: Etic or Emic? At what extent are McSweeney’s critiques valuable? 4 Research Validity 5 Research Reliability: 5 Research Sample 5 Back to Culture 7 Questionnaire and Dimensions 8 History and Research Validations 9 Conclusion 10 Bibliography 12 Introduction: Etic or Emic? At what extent are McSweeney’s critiques valuable? Arguably, Hofstede’s work (1980, 1997) represents a pioneering approach of culture as a way of comparing international management frameworksRead Morehofstede cultural dimensional theory3848 Words   |  16 PagesHofstede 1 Running Head: HOFSTEDE’S CULTURAL DIMENSIONS: THE BASICS AND THE CRITICISMS ra oi M Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: E. The Basics and the Criticisms Moira E. Hanna H Clemson University na an Hofstede 2 Abstract Hofstede’s model (1980) has been used widely in research in the past two decades. The culture-based model consists of four dimensions: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism-collectivism, and masculinity-femininity. Each of these

Essay on Religion and Medical Ethics - 1629 Words

Religion and Medical Ethics I am discussing the issues that are put forward by Christians concerning the sanctity of life in relation to abortion and what their beliefs are. There are no Biblical scriptures that deal directly with abortion; however I will refer to passages in the Bible that refer to life and other relevant areas. Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy and can be defined as the deliberate destruction of a foetus, causing its death. The 1967 Abortion Act allows a woman to terminate or end her pregnancy up to the 24th week; however there is no time limit if there is a high risk to her life or if the foetus has major abnormalities. A woman must also have the permission or consent†¦show more content†¦Another issue that you need to determine is ‘When does life really begin?’ Pro-choice people would say late in pregnancy, some would even say as late as birth. Genesis 2:7 would agree with this in that it was after God breathed life in Adam that he became living. ‘. . . and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.’ Genesis 2:7. While the pro-life people would say life begins at conception, right at the beginning. Another verse from the Old Testament could be used in agreement to this. ‘Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb . . .’ Isaiah 44:2. There is a keen debate concerning the moment a human embryo or foetus becomes fully human or when, according to Christian teaching, it has both body and soul. Within the Church Christians generally want to follow the teachings and principles found within the Bible and then apply them to the way they live. However this in not always easy due to the vast number of translations that are found today. It has lead to a variety of viewpoints concerning the moral thoughts on abortion. Generally the Church is united in its condemnation of abortion. It is a decision that must be taken very seriously and only in unusual circumstances when abortion is the lesser of two evils should it be carried out. Our belief in the sanctity ofShow MoreRelatedSubject of Research: Medical Ethics and Christianity706 Words   |  3 PagesSubject of Research: Medical Ethics and Christianity Medical ethics is an arrangement of moral principles that relates to values and judgments through the practice of medicine. When it comes to medical ethics, Christianity plays a very big role in this moral belief just as any other religion does. In our daily practice of medicine, the seven principles of medical ethics is a vital part in life-and-death decisions, and it is always up-to-date on human life issues. The one that I mainly wanted toRead MoreBiomedical Ethics : A Study Of The Line Between God And Medicine1611 Words   |  7 PagesBiomedical Ethics: A Study of the Line Between God and Medicine During the years of 1975 and 1976, a Supreme Court Case was fought that changed the world of biomedical ethics. On April 14, 1975, twenty-one-year-old Karen Quinlan experienced severe brain damage after ingesting a combination of narcotics and alcohol. Shortly after this, she lost consciousness and quit breathing for two periods of fifteen minutes each The young woman’s doctors declared her brain dead due to the irreversible trauma thatRead MoreThe Hippocratic Oath And Medical Ethics866 Words   |  4 PagesIn general, contemporary physicians are primarily trained to be competent in the field of medicine, from diagnosing their patients to prescribing therapy. Yet, they are not heavily taught medical ethics during their schooling: how should physicians conduct themselves around their patients? Nevertheless, medical traditions in China and Greece were thoroughly concerned about this question, which led to several of texts. In particular, the Greek developed an oath, known as th e Hippocratic Oath, whichRead MoreAssisted Suicide : A Controversial Subject1224 Words   |  5 Pageseuthanasia has brought about many moral and immoral debates to the profession of medical care. Currently, euthanasia is illegal in the United States except for Oregon and washington. The American Nurses Association (ANA) stance on euthanasia is as follows, The American NursesAssociation (ANA) prohibits nurses’ participation in assisted suicide and euthanasia because these acts are in direct violation of the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the ethical traditions and goals of the profession, and its covenantRead MorePhysician-Assisted Suicide Essay1038 Words   |  5 PagesIs the role of a medical professional to ensure the well-being of their patients, or to assist them in ending their lives? Many people may believe that physicians would never perform the latter, but in actuality one practice does so. Physician assisted suicide is the intentional ending of one’s life brought on by lethal substances prescribed by a doctor. In the majority of cases, the patient is terminally ill and simply does not desire to live any longer. Their physician provides the medicationRead MoreEthical Issues Related to the Cloning Debate1389 Words   |  6 Pagesat the heart of bioethics. As a student of genetic biology and future biologist, this question also has personal relevance. Our science is evolving at a rapid pace. As human cloning becomes increasingly possible, it is important that we analyze the ethics of cloning so that judicious public policy can be created. It is therefore my position that research into cloning should continue to fulfill the fundamental goals of scientific exploration and to explore the possibilities that cloning might have inRead MoreReligious Beliefs Affect The Medical Decision Making Of Canadians1727 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract This research project aims to explore the ways in which religious beliefs affect the medical-decision making of Canadians in Ottawa. Due to the diverse population in Canada people often practice medical plurality; which is employing biomedical and spiritual methods of healing modalities. Several Canadians have adopted informal guidelines according to their belief systems that dictate which medical healing modalities they seek when illness arises. In order to investigate the ways in which biomedicalRead MoreResearching Physician Assisted Suicide801 Words   |  3 Pagescomes down to whatever holds people back, whether it is their views on religion or oaths from many years ago, it should be considered a correct practice. In fact, in the case of Vacco v. Quill, one point raised was that Over time, the Hippocratic Oath has been changed, and deleted. In order to do-no-harm one would end suffering instead of prolonging it. With the use of Supreme Court cases, and professional psychologist and medical quotations, one can see the clear reasons that this topic must be allowedRead MoreThe s Roles : Integrating Spiritual Care Into The Health System1311 Words   |  6 Pageshealth care professionals, discussion on ethics, and the roles that spirituality, culture and religion p lay in positive health outcomes. The occupation of a chaplain comes with many different roles. Their duties include comforting, listening, and being a guide as patients travel through a world of emotions. Here in the U.S. health care chaplains play a big role in providing spiritual care and support for patients. Referring back to the mini lecture on religion and health. Spiritual assessment and careRead MoreSpiritual Competence: Sikh Beliefs and Faiths1432 Words   |  6 PagesChallenges of providing medical treatment to people of different religious backgrounds may be altered. All members of the health care team need to address the issues and concerns regarding specific health care practices and religious beliefs and remove their perspective from the situation. The following paper will discuss three different religions while incorporating a comparison of beliefs, perspective on healing and the perspective on health care to that of the Christian Religion. Sikh Beliefs and

Restaurant Business free essay sample

The popularity of fast food establishments came in the 1980’s, and over the last years, the industry has consistently posted double-digit growth rates. Supporting human resources include hotel and restaurant managers and assistant managers, housekeeping supervisors, security personnel, chefs, cooks, waiters, bartenders, and other related workers and professionals directly involved in hotel and restaurant services. Francis Villaluz a director for marketing of Gerry’s Grill was asked how’s the  restaurant industry  doing these days and what’s its greatest challenge?He said â€Å"It’s still doing well, were still getting crowds. There’s still a need for it. The restaurant industry does have seasonality like other businesses. Gerry’s Grill  has 17 branches. Growth depends on the area you are in. According to our survey, restaurants are location-driven. People who eat in a certain branch live or work a few kilometers away. † Villaluz also mentioned that in the course of business, if sales will slightly go down, it means businessman have to reinvent and repackage. We will write a custom essay sample on Restaurant Business or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Manilareview. com reported that like every other country, the food industry has flourished very well in Philippines.Filipinos love to eat and that’s the reason why you will see a lot of restaurants and fast foods restaurants scattered in the cities. These restaurants and fast foods can be local or international food chains. Filipino food and chefs are considered one of the best in the world. It is hardly surprising that Filipino food is often labeled as somewhat strange (like the â€Å"balut† for example) but in its own way, its food is a unique mixture of eastern and western cuisines and reflects the history of Philippines. The Filipino food includes dishes and cooking procedures from China, Spain, Mexico, United States, and more recently from further abroad.However, what makes them Filipino is the history and society that introduced and adapted them; the people who turned them to their tastes and accepted them into their homes and restaurants, and specially the harmonizing culture that combined them into modern Filipino fare. Some of the popular fast food chains of Philippines are Jollibee, McDonald, KFC, Chowking, etc. and popular restaurants being Abe, Chelsea, Friday’s, Chili’s and a lot more. Attracting a huge crowd to restaurants or fast foods require more than just good food. Though important, good food is only a part of the total dining experience.Equally important is believed to be the way people feel while in the restaurant. This physical and emotional response is a result of the atmosphere, the total environment to which customers are exposed. The proper atmosphere can make the food, service and whole dining experience seem better. For that reason a restaurant or a fast food must take care of the following to please its customers. This includes checking the cleanliness of the place and freshness of the food, guarded premises, parking area where people can park, ambiance and landscaping, building design, lighting, and even music. FOREIGNEven in a business based on flavor, theres no need to sugarcoat the truth: The restaurant industry is facing hard times. In December, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) released its 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast that predicted although 2009 restaurant industry sales will exceed $566 billiona 2. 5 percent increase from last yearthe numbers translate to an inflation-adjusted decline of at least 1 percent. And thats putting it kindly. Right now, credit is tight and investment capital is practically nonexistent. Inevitably, the consolidation of the banking industry will have a detrimental impact on restaurants nationwide.