Desorganisation

Desorganisation is a term used to describe the absence or breakdown of an organized structure within a system, organization, or process. In English, the more common term is disorganization, while desorganisation appears as a variant spelling drawn from French influence or specific institutional usage. The concept generally denotes a state in which formal routines, governance mechanisms, and coordinated activities no longer function effectively.

The word’s etymology traces to the Latin prefix dis- meaning apart or lacking, combined with organization. Because desorganisation is less standard in English, many writers treat it as a variant of disorganization rather than a distinct theoretical construct. In practice, discussions of desorganization often occur within organizational studies, management, sociology, and related fields, and are usually addressed under the broader idea of organizational dysfunction or breakdown.

Desorganisation can arise in various contexts, including businesses undergoing rapid growth, mergers, or misaligned incentives; public agencies facing policy changes or leadership turnover; or communities experiencing social disruption. Common indicators include unclear roles and responsibilities, duplicated or neglected processes, communication failures, delays in decision-making, and reduced performance or safety issues. The consequences typically involve lowered efficiency, reduced morale, higher costs, and increased conflict.

Responses to desorganisation focus on restoring coherence and accountability, through actions such as process redesign, clarified governance, improved change management, and efforts to realign culture with strategy. Related concepts include organizational design, change management, and the broader notion of disorganization.