The formal organisation can be better understood by a study of its features which are as follows:

(A) It specifies the relationships among various job positions and the nature of their interrelationship.
(B) It is a means to achieve the objectives specified in the plans, as it lays down rules and procedures essential for their achievement.
(C) Independent channels of communication without specified direction of flow of information are developed by group members.
(D) It is deliberately designed by the top management to facilitate the smooth functioning of the organisation.

Which of the following options are correct?

The correct option is (A), (B) and (D) only.

To understand why this option is correct, let us analyze the features of a formal organisation step-by-step:

1. Understanding Formal Organisation:
A formal organisation refers to the structure of well-defined jobs, each bearing a definite measure of authority, responsibility, and accountability. It is consciously and deliberately designed by the management to achieve organizational goals.

2. Analysis of the Statements:

Statement (A): "It specifies the relationships among various job positions and the nature of their interrelationship."
This statement is correct. A fundamental feature of a formal organisation is that it clearly defines who reports to whom, establishing clear lines of authority and responsibility among different job roles.

Statement (B): "It is a means to achieve the objectives specified in the plans, as it lays down rules and procedures essential for their achievement."
This statement is correct. Formal structures are created to systematically direct efforts toward achieving planned objectives through established rules, policies, and standard operating procedures.

Statement (C): "Independent channels of communication without specified direction of flow of information are developed by group members."
This statement is incorrect. In a formal organisation, communication channels are predefined and follow a specific scalar chain or path. Independent and undirected communication channels are a characteristic of an informal organisation, which arises spontaneously out of social interactions among employees.

Statement (D): "It is deliberately designed by the top management to facilitate the smooth functioning of the organisation."
This statement is correct. Unlike informal structures that develop naturally, a formal organisation is deliberately planned and structured by top-level management to ensure systematic coordination and minimize confusion.

Conclusion:
Since statements (A), (B), and (D) are true features of a formal organisation, while statement (C) is a feature of an informal organisation, the correct combination is (A), (B) and (D) only.