An organization can be a company that seeks profits through its sales.
An organization is a system designed to achieve certain goals and objectives. These systems may, in turn, be made up of other related subsystems that perform specific functions.
The etymology of the word organization takes us back to the Greek language. Specifically, this word comes from the word organon , which can be translated as "tool or instrument."
The organization as a social group
An organization is a social group made up of people, tasks and administrative activities , with interactions that occur within the framework of a systematic structure to achieve group objectives.
It is important to note that an organization can only exist when there are individuals who communicate and are willing to act in a coordinated manner to achieve its mission. Organizations function through rules that have been established to fulfill their purposes.
It is also essential that in order for these organizations to be able to carry out the tasks entrusted to them and to achieve the goals they have set, they must have a network of resources . These must include human, technological, economic, real estate, natural and intangible resources.
Citizen and state institutions
Citizen groups created to meet a social need are called civil organizations . Political parties, unions, sports clubs and NGOs are part of this group.
In the case of NGOs ( non-governmental organizations ), it is important to highlight the fact that there are many of them throughout the world. They are characterized by the fact that they do not depend on any government and they aim to achieve human well-being from various points of view.
For example, we find NGOs that are committed to improving working conditions, the environment, citizen participation and scientific research. We must not forget those that promote humanitarian aid and the protection of children and the elderly.
On the other hand, organizations that are created by the State to carry out social tasks are known as governmental organizations . They are directed by the government and are financed with public funds.
However, there are many other classifications of organizations based on different criteria. In this way, we can classify them by their location (local, regional, national or international), their ownership (private and public), their size (small, medium or large) and even by their purpose (for-profit and non-profit).
Greenpeace is a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting the environment through volunteer work.
Managing an organization
Managing an organization refers to the various tasks that must be carried out for the entity to function. Although organizations can be very different from each other, there are variables that none can ignore.
In this context, it is important that the structure of the organization is well defined. It may have internal divisions such as departments, areas, offices, directorates or secretariats, which contain the work teams.
Hierarchies , on the other hand, must be clear. Whoever assumes the leadership of the organization must assign roles and responsibilities precisely and must draw up the strategy to follow in order to achieve the goals, taking charge of planning the actions and coordinating human resources.
It is also important to have an organizational culture linked to the values and vision of the entity. These issues must be communicated to employees, members or volunteers through internal communication, promoting cooperation and collaboration in pursuit of the intended results.
Corporate image is important in the positioning of an organization.
Compliance with the rules
Compliance with rules and regulations is essential for an organization to survive and develop. Failure to do so may result in problems with the authorities, as well as difficulties in all matters that require formality.
In some cases, audits are mandatory by law. The organization may also need to obtain certifications or permits to operate within the framework of the legislation.
Corporate social responsibility , meanwhile, is a concept that is associated with reputation. It goes beyond the legal plane and reflects how, through certain actions that have a positive impact on the community, it is possible to improve public relations and the image of the organization.
The organization of companies
Finally, we can refer to the concept of business organization , which refers to the organizational structure of work in the business field. There are several elements that are key in this structure, such as bureaucracy, job specialization, departmentalization, chain of command, decentralization and formalization.
The way in which companies are organized is studied by an administrative science called Business Administration , which analyzes the way in which resources and processes are managed. This administration is considered the basis of a company's operation.
Nowadays, the organization of a company tends to make intensive use of technology . The automation of tasks, the digitalization of documentation and the use of collaboration platforms for the execution of processes are common.
This digital transformation , while bringing numerous benefits, requires the adoption of cybersecurity measures. Companies must invest to ensure the security of internal information, protecting data privacy, for example.
It should be noted that technological innovation also allows for an organizational change in the work activity itself. In many cases, face-to-face work is no longer essential, being replaced by teleworking (i.e. remote work). At the same time, decision-making and problem-solving can be carried out in a more agile way with these resources.