informal organizations

Informal organizations are networks of relationships and social interactions within a workplace or group that are not officially established or documented by formal rules. They develop naturally, based on personal connections, shared interests, or mutual influence among members. These informal structures can influence communication, decision-making, and overall group dynamics, often complementing or sometimes conflicting with formal organizational systems. They are important because they affect workplace culture, cooperation, and efficiency, even though they are not part of official policies or hierarchy.