This chapter of the book "The Functions of the Executive," by Chester I. Barnard (1938), explores the definition of a formal organization. Barnard suggests that systems of coöperation are called organizations. The definition of a formal organization is "a system of consciously coordinated activities or forces of two or more persons." Barnard explores several aspects of formal organizations as abstract systems, including: (1) terms used to symbolize or personify organizations, and related practice in the remainder of this treatise; (2) concepts analogous to "organization" as defined; (3) the non-personal character of activities as components of organizations; (4) organizations as isolated, as parts of ore general systems, and as comprising subordinate systems; (5) emergent properties of systems, especially organizations; and (5) dimensional characteristics of organizations.