Unorganization

From CEOpedia | Management online

Unorganization is a process of reducing the scope of formalization in organization by decreasing number of operating procedures, processes, systems, information requirements and reporting activities. It leads to more flexibility, decreases costs and could lead to increase in competitiveness and faster reaction times. Reducing the scope of administrative burdens leads to a significant reduction in the number of problems related to bureaucracy.

This concept should not be confused with disorganization or characteristics of so-called unorganized person known in psychology.

Effects of unorganization

  • Making decisions based on primary first hand information (less written reports, memos, etc.),
  • No need to contact higher authority, in order to obtain formal acceptance of the decision,
  • Moving decision-making to a lower organizational level,
  • More organizational innovation,
  • Reduced scope of administrative burdens
  • Significant reduction in the number of bureaucratic problems.

Benefiting from unorganization

A company can use unorganization for its benefit by implementing the following steps:

  • Identify areas within the organization where formalization is excessive and not necessary for achieving business objectives.
  • Eliminate unnecessary procedures and processes that do not add value to the organization.
  • Reduce the number of systems and information requirements that are not essential for business operations.
  • Streamline reporting activities to focus on key performance indicators that are critical for decision-making.
  • Empower employees to make decisions at the lowest possible level, which will increase flexibility and reaction times.
  • Provide training and support to employees on how to work in an unorganized environment.
  • Monitor and measure the results of unorganization to ensure that it is achieving the desired benefits.

By implementing these steps, a company can reduce costs, increase competitiveness and improve its overall performance. It can also help to reduce the problems related to bureaucracy, which can lead to more efficient and effective decision making and less frustration among the employees.

See also:

Examples of Unorganization

  • Eliminating excessive paperwork and administrative tasks: One example of unorganization is eliminating excessive paperwork and administrative tasks. By reducing the paperwork associated with processes and activities, companies can significantly streamline their operations and reduce the amount of time spent on administrative tasks. This can result in increased efficiency and productivity.
  • Reorganizing job roles: Another example of unorganization is reorganizing job roles. By reorganizing job roles, companies can reduce the number of silos or departments and allow for more cross-functional collaboration. This can also lead to a reduction in bureaucracy and help create a more agile and efficient organization.
  • Implementing an agile framework: An agile framework is another example of unorganization. Agile is an organizational management framework that allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to changes in the marketplace. By implementing an agile framework, companies can reduce the amount of bureaucracy associated with organizational processes and operations and become more agile and efficient.
  • Introducing self-management systems: Self-management systems are another example of unorganization. These systems allow employees to take ownership of their own work and be more autonomous in the way that they work. This can lead to greater accountability and responsibility among employees, as well as reduce the amount of bureaucracy associated with tasks.

Limitations of Unorganization

Unorganization has its limitations as it may lead to a decrease in productivity, accountability, and order. The following are some of the limitations of unorganization:

  • Decreased Productivity: Unorganization may lead to a decrease in productivity, as it can lead to a lack of accountability and consistency. Since there are fewer processes and systems in place, employees may be less motivated to complete tasks and may not have the resources to do so effectively.
  • Lack of Structure: Unorganization may also lead to a lack of structure, as there is no clear set of rules and guidelines. This can lead to confusion and chaos, as employees may not know how to accomplish tasks in the most efficient manner.
  • Poor Communication: Without formal systems and procedures in place, communication between employees can become inefficient. This can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes, which could lead to increased costs and delays.
  • Lack of Accountability: Unorganization may also lead to a lack of accountability, as there is no clear understanding of who is responsible for what. This can lead to a decrease in quality, as employees may not take responsibility for their own work.

Other approaches related to Unorganization

Unorganization is a process of reducing the scope of formalization in organization by decreasing number of operating procedures, processes, systems, information requirements and reporting activities. Other approaches related to Unorganization include:

  • Self-managing teams: self-managing teams are autonomous and decentralized teams that take collective responsibility for both the team's goals and the means of achieving them. Self-managing teams can reduce the need for top-down organizational structure, freeing up resources and allowing for greater creativity and innovation.
  • Agile management: Agile management is a project management approach that emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement. It is based on the idea that the best way to achieve success is to focus on rapid delivery of small, incremental changes.
  • Flat hierarchy: Flat hierarchy is an organizational structure with fewer levels of management. This allows for faster decision-making and more direct communication between management and employees.
  • Virtual organization: Virtual organization is a type of organization that does not have a physical location. Instead, it uses digital technology to facilitate communication and collaboration between dispersed employees and stakeholders.
  • Holacracy: Holacracy is a form of self-organizing system where power and decision-making is distributed throughout the organization. It eliminates the traditional management hierarchy in favor of a decentralized, collaborative approach.

Unorganization is a process of reducing the scope of formalization in organization by decreasing number of operating procedures, processes, systems, information requirements and reporting activities. Other approaches related to Unorganization include self-managing teams, agile management, flat hierarchy, virtual organization, and holacracy. These approaches emphasize collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement, allowing for faster decision-making and more direct communication.


Unorganizationrecommended articles
Organizational dependenceCulture and QMS implementationFunctional structureStaff structureQuality system in local governmentDownward communicationStrategic goalManagerial controllingForms of organisation

References

  • Weber, M. (1946). Bureaucracy. From Max Weber: essays in sociology, 196-244.
  • Blau, P. M. (1956). Bureaucracy in modern society.
  • Downs, A., & Rand Corporation. (1967). Inside bureaucracy (p. 264). Boston: Little, Brown.
  • Thompson, V. A. (1965). Bureaucracy and innovation. Administrative science quarterly, 1-20.