Organisations

An organisation is a group of people deliberately structured to achieve common goals. It coordinates resources and activities through defined roles, rules, and procedures, enabling collective action beyond what individuals could achieve alone. Organisations vary in size, purpose, and legal form and may be formal, such as businesses and government agencies, or informal, such as clubs or networks.

Common forms include for-profit companies, non-profit organisations (including charities and non-governmental organisations), cooperatives, government bodies, and international organisations. Legal forms determine governance, ownership, funding, and accountability. In many countries, non-profits may seek tax-exempt status; commercial entities may issue shares and have fiduciary duties to owners or shareholders. Organisations may be private or public, domestic or international, and may operate under different regulatory regimes.

Organisations typically have a governance framework and management structure. A board or council provides strategic direction and oversight, while executives or managers handle daily operations. Departments or teams coordinate activities in areas such as finance, human resources, operations, and programmes. Some organisations follow hierarchical models, while others adopt flatter or networked forms to support collaboration and adaptability.

Lifecycle and accountability are important aspects. Organisations form or dissolve through processes such as incorporation or deregistration, and rely on funding from revenue, donations, memberships, or public support. They must comply with applicable laws, maintain appropriate records, and provide reporting and audits to stakeholders, including members, employees, funders, regulators, and the communities they serve.

International organisations operate across borders and may be intergovernmental or non-governmental, often coordinating policy, aid, research, or standard-setting beyond a single country.