What social structure is primarily focused on efficiency and goal attainment?

The correct answer is formal organization because it is specifically designed to achieve particular goals in an efficient manner through structured procedures, defined roles, and coordinated activities. Formal organizations, such as businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits, have clear hierarchies and protocols that allow them to manage tasks effectively and meet their objectives systematically.

This emphasis on efficiency can be attributed to the need for achieving results within a set timeframe and allocated resources, making formal organizations crucial in settings where productivity and clear outcomes are prioritized, such as in corporate environments or structured governmental operations.

In contrast, other options represent different forms of social structures that may not necessarily prioritize efficiency. Collective organizations and social institutions can encompass a wider range of functions, such as community building or maintaining cultural norms, and voluntary associations focus on shared interests and activities without the same formal framework aimed at efficiency as seen in formal organizations.