FORMAL ORGANIZATION


A formal organization is a planned structure which represents the officially established pattern of relationships among individuals, groups, sections, units, departments and divisions to accomplish the goals of the enterprise. A formal organization provides a broad framework and delineates certain prescribed functions and the relationships between them, a formal organization may be defined as a system of consciously coordinated activity of two or more persons towards a given objective. A formal organization may also be defined as:

  1. A pattern of formal relationships and duties, the organization charts, job description and position guides.
  2. Formal rules, policies, work procedures and similar devices adopted by management to guide employee behaviour in certain ways within the structure of formal relationships.

   As Louis A. Allen said, “The formal organization is a system of well-defined jobs, each bearing a definite measure of authority, responsibility and accountability, the whole consciously designed to enable people of the enterprise to work more effectively together in accomplishing their objectives”.  A formal organization facilitates the determination of objectives and policies. Communication, the delegation of authority, and coordination take place according to a prescribed pattern and in fact, formal structure restricts and circumstances the area of operation of individuals working within an organization.

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FEATURES OF FORMAL ORGANIZATION

The main characteristics of a formal organization are:

  1. It is based on the division of Labour.
  2. This organization is formed by voluntary thinking.
  3. It is represented by organizational charts and manuals.
  4. In this organization, the rights, duties and liabilities of different persons are clarified on different levels of management.
  5. In a formal organization, unity of command is followed.
  6. It is prepared only for the accomplishment of od predetermined goals.
  7. Here the relationships among members are fully impersonal.
  8. Here delegation of authority flows from top to bottom.
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 ADVANTAGES OF FORMAL ORGANIZATION

The main advantages of Formal Organization include:

  1. The best use of resources.
  2. Feeling of cooperation in a formal organization.
  3. No duplication of work.
  4. End of biased opinions from everyone related to any work.
  5. Proper standardisation of work becomes easy to implement.
  6. Helpful in achieving objectives.
  7. Well defined authority and responsibility and accountability avoid any chance of friction and enmity.
  8. Merits of specialisation can be achieved due to the principle of division of labour.
  9. The efficiency of employees can easily be measured due to the predetermination of the rights and duties of each individual.
  10. This type of organization restricts conflicts among executives.
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LIMITATIONS OF FORMAL ORGANIZATION

The main limitations of Formal organization include:

  1. Rules are considered more important than the person.
  2. This organization ends the spirit of initiative.
  3. Excessive and undue use of authority takes place in this type of organization.
  4. In this type of organization procedures, programmes, rules etc., are followed strictly and that is why frequent changes are not possible.
  5. A formal organization is impersonal; that is why human feelings have no place here.
  6. There is a lack of coordination among the activities of different persons in different departments.
  7. No consideration is given to the social and human elements.
  8. This organization takes into consideration only the formal communication and creates obstacles in the application of informal communication.

STRUCTURE OF ORGANISING


The structure is the pattern in which various parts or components are integrated or interconnected and this prescribes the relationships among various activities and positions, as these positions are held by various persons, a structure is called the relationships among people in the organization and thus organization structure refers to the differentiation and integration of activities and authority, role and relationships in the organization. Differentiation is the differences in cognitive and emotional orientations among managers in different functional departments and differences in formal structure among these departments. Integration refers to the quality of the state of collaboration that is required to achieve unity of effort by the organization. The structure of an organization thus regulates, coordinates, and reduces uncertainty in the behaviour of people. According to Peter F. Drucker, “Organisation structure is the most important means as a structure wrongly build cannot assist in the promotion of the business”. Thus, the organisational structure is the lifeline of an organisation and this determines the mutual relationship of different persons working within an institution and clarifies the position of each person in it.

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TYPES OF ORGANISATION

Creation of an appropriate structure is indispensable for any organisation and Organisation structure represents the hierarchical arrangement of various positions in the enterprise and it helps in allocating authority and responsibility formally and it also lays down the pattern of communication and coordination in the enterprise and As Kimball write, “ The problem of an organisation is to select and combine the efforts of men of proper characteristics to produce the desired results”. Although character and type of organization would depend largely on the size and nature of the enterprise, yet, there are certain patterns of organising the personnel in an organisation and the need of clear-cut authority/responsibility relationships has led to different forms of administrative organisation as follows:

1. Line Organisation

It represents a direct vertical relationship through which an activity flows from top to bottom throughout the organization and the quantum of authority is highest at the top and it reduces at each successive level down the hierarchy, every person in the organisation is in the direct chain of command. The line of authority not only becomes the avenue of command to operating personnel but also provides the channel of communication, coordination and accountability in the enterprise.

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2. Line and Staff organization

Under the line and staff organization, the function of line is similar to its function under the line of organisation but some staff or experts are also appointed as advisors to the line officers. The functions of line officer are to take decisions, while the function of the staff officers is to advise them and these staff officers are experts in their respective fields and they offer their useful advice after analysing the problems presented by the line officers and in the way, the work of thinking and execution is done by different persons and this removes the chief defect of the line organisation and it can be adopted in case of large business enterprises. It is, however, important to make it clear that the line officers are not bound to accept the advice offered by the staff officers because the line officers alone are responsible for the outcome.

PLANNING IN MANAGEMENT

Planning is deciding the objectives and methods to achieve them. Planning involves deciding in advance what is to be done, how is to be done, where is to do, how is to done and by whom is to be done and it makes things happen which may not occur otherwise and it bridges the gap between where we are and where we want to go, the process of planning includes two things:

             1. Deciding objectives

             2. Choosing best from available alternatives

Planning is a fundamental managerial function planning implies an arrangement for doing something as considered in advance and simple words, planning is deciding in advance and Prof. Urwick rightly said: “Planning is fundamentally a mental predisposition to things in an orderly way, to think before acting and to act in the light of facts rather than guesses”. Thus, a plan is a predetermined course of action and it is an attempt on the part of a manager to anticipate the future to achieve better performance, and planning is based on the principle, Look before you leap’.

CONCEPT OF PLANNING

Planning requires goals and it focuses attention on purposes and determines ways achieving them and planning is necessarily a problem of choice and it involves the selection of the most feasible course of action from all available alternatives. Planning is a means of building a bridge to span the present position of the firm with its desired future position. It implies the work of both problems solving as well as decision-making. Man possesses a unique power of reasoning and he often evaluates the pros and cons before proceeding further into the matter.

NATURE OF PLANNING

1. Planning focuses on achieving objectives:

 Planning is to facilitate the attainment of objectives of the organization and planning focuses action on purposes. Planning is merely an empty mental exercise if it loses sight of the organizational objectives and every plan should contribute towards the achievement of company goals. Thus, all plans are directly linked with the goals and objectives of the enterprise and contribute to its attainment and if there are objectives, there is no need for any planning.

2. Planning is a primary function of Management

 Planning is a primary function of management and a manager must perform efficient and intelligent planning before performing any other managerial activities. Thus, planning comes before the execution of all other managerial functions. Planning function of management has the distinction of establishing objectives and all managerial efforts of organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling are directed towards their attainment.

3. Planning is pervasive  An element of planning can be seen behind every human activity in an organization and God has gifted man with the faculty of reasoning and this enables a person to measure the consequences of his planned actions and we can quote several examples where planning precedes individual or group action. Planning is a pervasive activity covering the entire enterprise will all its segments and every level of management. Top management does strategic planning, middle management looks after the administrative planning and the lower management concentrates on operational planning.

We Forgot the product name !!

Marketing is a process to promote the product and create value with the customer by selling products or provide service. There are so many times when companies marketing so well the brand name becomes the product name. We actually don’t realize that every day we use the name of the product actually their brand name. Here is some example

Google, it’s an inseparable part of our life today, our all curiosity satisfy google, we always say that “Google it” it helps us in so many ways ,Google Is the brand name the product name is Internet search engine

Parle-G evergreen morning snack. Parle-G is the brand name and product name is Glucose Biscuit

Brand Name Colgate, product name :Toothpaste

Brand Name: Nestle Maggie Products name: Noodles

Brand name: Photoshop Product name: Image Editing software

Brand name: JCB Product name : Excavator

  • Brand name: sellotape product name: transparent Adhesive Tape
  • Brand name: xerox product name: Photocopy
  • Brand name: Vaseline, product name: Petroleum jelly
  • Brand Name Fevicol Product name Adhesive
  • Brand name: Boroline product name: Antiseptic perfumed cream

Marketing is an amazing thing, we rarely used these products name, their brand brands names are their identify.

Social Media: The perfect tool for Digital Marketing

As indicated by one Facebook report, there has been a 70% expansion in time spent on the application in Italy. A March 2020 study of U.S. conducted on online networking users discovered that 43.1%  would scroll through Instagram more whenever staying home while 63.7% and 62.3% used YouTube and Facebook, in comparison to the other websites, more.

Presently is a prime chance to develop business accounts by putting out valuable content that doesn’t focus on a hard sell. The objective should rather be to assemble an internet following through: 

1) For example, how to extract productivity out of “work from home” and methods of reducing expenses on veggies.

2) Posting harious content of mockery, similar to funny clippings and memes. 

3) Collaborating with an influencer. 63% of shoppers trust influencers more than brands and COVID-19 has allowed influencers over a wide scope of ventures to make their administrations accessible at a sensible cost. 

With relatively little expense and exertion, an organization can understand results that keep on profiting them long after the situation improves.

GENERATING MARKETING SCHEMES OVER THE WEB

Online campaigns help to spread the word about their businesses and the new ways of functioning, with less amount of time and effort invested, than asking their regular set of customers to do so.

This can be achieved through Smart bidding like Google Ads, Content Marketing and Coupons designed from Easy Promo Or Woobox

CARRYING OUT DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS ONLINE

There are not many organisations can transition their day-to-day functioning using internet. However due to the availability of video conferencing facilities like Zoom and Google Meet, there can still be interactions between the customers and the buyers. 

Orders of groceries and other essentials can be taken online, education through schools and Institutions is being provided online and live tutorials and sessions are being conducted in which clients are asked to make the payments online. There are several other courses available on digital marketing too  which can be availed to enhance the speed of the working staff and enable them to make the most out of the present situation.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOUR BUSINESS? 

Numerous organizations are curtailing their showcasing endeavors due to COVID-19, however what they should do is multiply while making the most of the new open doors that are springing up. 

This accentuation on digital marketing isn’t something that they’ll need to back off on once the lockdown is over. Internet shopping won’t stop at any point in the near future, and most organizations will find that online associations are more helpful than in-person interactions. 

While it might be viewed right now as an alternate course of action, when the pandemic is over, everybody will probably understand that it’s much more than that.

On the off chance that a very much upgraded site, all around arranged advertising devices, and selection of virtual interchanges can get an organization through one of the most exceedingly terrible crises in present day times, for what reason can’t digital-based promoting make its all intents and purposes relentless?

(Part 3/3)
Hope you all had a good time reading!

BEEFING-UP THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE

Presently is a lucky opportunity to put resources into longer-term venture channels, especially if an advertising expenditure plan can be rearranged towards that path. 

The global market is chaotic and questionable now, so outbound strategies can presumably be moved to working out inbound resources, similar to the organization blog.

For instance: 

1) Making announcements on the home webpage passing information that the business is willing to support its customers. Incorporating a connecting link to a FAQ where clients can get more data about assistance hours and delivery options. 

2) Reorganising product/services or administration pages with new illustrations and portrayals. Brief specials or discount offers could be made to maximise the orders. 

3) Setting up an internet business framework for taking on the web orders. Major web hosts have incorporated Stripe integration in their progressed facilitating packages. Local companies and small businesses can likewise opt for Shopify or Etsy, which have e-commerce facilities. Many individuals also use Paypal. Managing account there can also speeden up the growth of orders.

Businesses that have generally sold items to customers from shops/stores only  may scrutinize the intelligence of building advanced resources like an online store, accepting that they can’t contend progressively with bigger, established portals like Amazon. 

Notwithstanding, due to over-crowding in web based shopping and much-expanded social networking, individuals are currently holding up longer than even a month to receive their Amazon packages, and no one’s upbeat about it. 

In the event if people discover that an independent business is selling what they require and that they’ll receive it quicker without prolonged delays, they’ll be up for it instantly.

TAKING FIRST STEPS WITH SEO MARKETING

The pandemic has transformed the way customers approach the idea of shopping. Roughly 47%  expressed that they are staying away from shopping centers and strip malls in an online poll. 

Then again, SEO is experiencing a gradual upward trend, with certain brands announcing a noteworthy increment in their search visibiility from January-March 2020. 

Suggested steps towards creating an impactful SEO procedure during Coronoavirus pandemic are as follows: 

1) Content creation intended to fabricate trust.

 COVID prevention measures have made purchasers increasingly pessimistic. As per a Forrester report, they don’t confide in organizations to finish on guarantees. Brand messages should be created with the goal to instruct, advise, and console rather than gruffly requesting a buy. 

2) Adapting a “take-charge” attitude while dealing with the corporate web. 

It is significant for organizations to deliberately deal with their online brands. Refreshing item accessibility, keeping the Google My Business page current and keeping client information secure would all be able to put forth the picture of a reliable business.
ATTRACTING AUDIENCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

An ever increasing number of individuals are managing self-isolation by going on the web to get access to recent news, look for data, and engage themselves.Hence, business social media pages can be easily promoted.

To be continued….

( Part 2/3)

Is Digital Marketing The New Approach Companies Need To Adopt During The Times Of Covid 19?

Some issues tend to just disappear if they don’t receive our attention for a longer period of time. However, the coronavirus pandemic is a mammoth issue for the companies all over the world. It is becoming extremely troublesome to just let go of the problem for it is hugely influencing the way business is being carried out globally.

Furthermore, a lot of businessmen, managers and directors are finding it difficult to bring about a change in their marketing strategies so as to get used to this short-term “new normal”.

The possible reasons could be that they maybe still not convinced to adapt to this sense of normalcy with so much going around and them facing their own issues but whatever the reason, this is only going to lead to much bigger problems and could even result in the downfall of their respective companies.

Moreover, handshakes are being replaced by the new norms of digital marketing and remote work forces during the signing of the business deals amongst a handful of other organisations.

These dynamic companies are not only accepting the Covid-19 world with open arms but are also ramparting the need of the hour, the recession resiliency.

HOW HAVE THE BUSINESSES BEEN IMPACTED?

Despite the fact that somehow, every business has been able to keep itself intact amidst the current situation, it hasn’t been any easier for the small startups due to the lack of capital or reserves to sustain their existence especially those which were massively dependent on physical interactions like beauty salons, fashion boutiques, Health Care Centres for yoga etc.

Since these startups were habituated to getting constant customer reviews and then stimulating their growth, they are now afflicted by colossal losses to such an extent that their spontaneous takeaway on this entire situation has been to minimise the product marketing expenditure which should have otherwise been to explore much innovative methods.

All the types of businesses irrespective of their magnitude of growth can easily extract benefits out of digital marketing. The only thing that needs to be done is to bring about a small change in the route of reaching their customers i.e by making business accounts on social media to ensure the prolonged survival of their businesses.

Because customers are in immediate need of all sorts of products but they cannot step out of their homes so the only way to flourish is by doing business digitally.

THE FIRST STEPS TO CARRYING OUT A BUSINESS ONLINE

In the pre Covid era, every customer was well aware of the the “best” that every local business had to offer. Now as we take the present situation into consideration, some of these local businesses have been shutdown after being categorised as “non essential”. Also, the customers are not informed that whether or not they can still continue to buy products from their local favorites as there is a huge question mark on them being still in business.

So now this is the time that these affected startups and local businesses grab most of the opportunity and make this bold decision to step out from the confining walls of their stores and expose themselves to new horizons by establishing their accounts on social media and connecting with customers all over.

 CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS

Given below are enlisted three steps which are crucial in springing up that link between the buyer and the seller and keeping the momentum going to ensure the business continuity and also building strong connections by adhering to the technological aspects of the process.

1) The first email: If the delivery of products like milk, groceries etc has been affected by Covid 19, the business should make an effort to inform its customers via Email or WhatsApp briefing about the new changes. 

2) ‎Updating about post-corona functioning on existing platforms: Businesses who already own emails or other digital communication facilities should inform their customers about the new methoods of operation.

3) ‎ Making announcements: Lastly, a public post on social media needs to be made regarding the resuming of online orders while also briefing about how their business is responding to the pandemic.

P.S~ This is a highly detailed research report that I have done on this topic and hence this is just PART 1 of it so that it doesn’t become too lengthy or monotonous.
Next part would be published soon.

Reference article for deeper insights: https://napoleoncat.com/blog/digital-marketing-during-covid-19/