Informal Structure

Part of

Three Organizational Structures

Key Info

The Informal Structure outlines the social networks within organizations that influence communication, trust, and collaboration beyond formal reporting lines.

The Informal Structure describes the social networks that exist among people in an organization. It captures the real patterns of communication, trust, and collaboration that evolve beyond formal lines of reporting. It reveals where influence resides and how information flows. Informal connections often bridge gaps between formal roles and processes, ensuring continuity of collaboration and learning when structures or strategies shift.

Typical questions

Who actually talks to whom when things matter?
How do relationships support or block knowledge flow?
Where do informal networks bridge structural gaps?

More about this

These structures are influenced by UWE RENALD. MÜLLER Machtwechsel im Management. The basic ideas were put forward by betacodex.org and betacodex.org.