An organizational structure consists of activities such as task allocation,

coordination and supervision, which are directed towards the achievement of

organizational aims. It can also be considered as the viewing glass or perspective
through which individuals see their organization and its environment.[

Formal organization is a fixed set of rules of intra-organization procedures and

structures. As such, it is usually set out in writing, with a language of rules that
ostensibly leave little discretion for interpretation. In some societies and in some
organization, such rules may be strictly followed; in others, they may be little more
than an empty formalism.

The informal organization is the interlocking social structure that governs how
people work together in practice. It is the aggregate of behaviors, interactions,
norms, personal and professional connections through which work gets done and
relationships are built among people who share a common organizational affiliation
or cluster of affiliations. It consists of a dynamic set of personal relationships, social
networks, communities of common interest, and emotional sources of motivation.
The informal organization evolves organically and spontaneously in response to
changes in the work environment, the flux of people through its porous boundaries,
and the complex social dynamics of its members.

Line organization is the most oldest and simplest method of administrative

organization. According to this type of organization, the authority flows from top to
bottom in a concern. The line of command is carried out from top to bottom. This is
the reason for calling this organization as scalar organization which means scalar
chain of command is a part and parcel of this type of administrative organization. In
this type of organization, the line of command flows on an even basis without any
gaps in communication and co- ordination taking place.

Line and staff organization is a modification of line organization and it is more

complex than line organization. According to this administrative organization,
specialized and supportive activities are attached to the line of command by
appointing staff supervisors and staff specialists who are attached to the line
authority. The power of command always remains with the line executives and staff
supervisors guide, advice and council the line executives. Personal Secretary to the
Managing Director is a staff official.

The matrix organization is an attempt to combine the advantages of the pure functional
structure and the product organizational structure. This form is identically suited for companies,
such as construction, that are “project-driven”. The figure below shows a typical Matrix
organization. In a matrix organization, each project manager reports directly to the vice
president and the general manager. Since each project represents a potential profit centre, the
power and authority used by the project manager come directly from the general manager.
Bureaucracy is the combined organizational structure, procedures, protocols, and set of
regulations in place to manage activity, usually in large organizations. As opposed to adhocracy,
it is often represented by standardized procedure (rule-following) that guides the execution of
most or all processes within the body; formal division of powers; hierarchy; and relationships,
intended to anticipate needs and improve efficiency.

Adhocracy is a type of organization that operates in opposite fashion to a bureaucracy. The term
was first popularized in 1970 by Alvin Toffler[1], and has since become often used in the theory
of management of organizations (particularly online organizations), further developed by
academics such as Henry Mintzberg.