ABSTRACT
Introduction Organizations are not simple things. Behind the formal picture, as depicted by an organization chart, lies the reality of the informal organization – the way things actually get done – and the difference between the two can be variable. A unitary perspective, which sees the different parts of the organization all working together, pulling in the same direction and dedicated to the same goals, is an unrealistic model. A pluralist view, however, accepts that differences exist within organizations with frequent contests played out through the interactions of different groups within the organization.
