In highly formalized organizations, employees have more discretion in how they do their work.

6 What Is Formalization?

Traditional View

Formalization refers to how standardized an organization’s jobs are and the extent to which employee behavior is guided by rules and procedures. Highly formalized organizations have explicit job descriptions, numerous organizational rules, and clearly defined procedures covering work processes. Employees have little discretion over what’s done, when it’s done, and how it’s done. However, where formalization is low, employees have more discretion in how they do their work. Early management writers expected organizations to be fairly formalized, as formalization went hand-in-hand with bureaucratic-style organizations.

Today’s View

Although some formalization is necessary for consistency and control, many ...

What is a highly formalized organization?

Specifically, highly formalized organizations are those in which rules for expected behavior are clearly articulated and followed. Conversely, organizations that exhibit low levels of formalization have few standardized practices or rules.

What is a highly formalized job?

Formalization. Formalization refers to the degree to which jobs within the organization are standardized. An employee in a highly formalized job has little input as to how that job is done, when it's done or how it should be done.

What organization is highly formalized and centralized?

Mechanistic structures are those that resemble a bureaucracy. These structures are highly formalized and centralized. Communication tends to follow formal channels and employees are given specific job descriptions delineating their roles and responsibilities.

Is defined as the formal arrangement of jobs within an organization?

Organizational Structure - the formal arrangement of jobs within an organization. Organizational design provides a framework of how a group of people gets the job done.