Final answer:
Chester Barnard highlighted social groups and communication networks as key components of informal organizations, which coexist with formal structures of companies. Max Weber's classification of authority types is pertinent for understanding these dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chester Barnard's work on authority and power distributions in organizations highlighted the social groups and communication networks that make up the informal organization within his company's formal organization. These informal systems often develop their own sense of order and organization, establish a sense of hierarchy and power differences, and define roles for both individuals and groups that may run parallel to, or even diverge from, those officially designated by the formal structure.
The informal organization is essential in understanding how real-life organizations function, as they can greatly affect the efficiency and morale of an organization. Max Weber's classification system for authority into traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational types can also help in understanding the dynamics of both formal and informal structures within any given organization.