Matrix structure

Matrix management is an organizational structure in which some individuals report to more than one supervisor or leader, relationships described as solid line or dotted line reporting. More broadly, it may also describe the management of cross-functional, cross-business groups and other work models that do not maintain strict vertical business units or silos grouped by function and geography. The matrix organizational structure is a combination of two or more types of organizational structures.

Usually, there are two chains of comman where project team members have two bosses or managers. Often, one manager handles functional activities and the other is a more traditional project manager.

See full list on projectmanager. They needed fast-track technology applications and required the ability to process great amounts of data in an efficient manner. An organizational structure was needed to respond quickly to interdisciplinary needs, without upsetting the functional organizational structures already in place. Matrix organizational structures were first developed in the aerospace industry in the U. A matrix organizational structure is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are advantages and disadvantages that need to be understood to know if it’s the right one for the organization.

When working on a large project, a highly hierarchical structure can be an obstacle in the path of moving that process forward successfully.

Instead of trying to find a workaround to a situation that might not have a viable solution , a matrix organization structure provides a new system that can more properly address the complexities of large projects. The problem of having the function and s. The matrix structure cancels out the extremes of the two structures to balance them somewhere in between. For example, if you are a software engineer at a firm and that firm receives a project that requires a software engineer, so they hire you instead of a new candidate. In other words, employees have dual reporting relationships - generally to both a functional manager and a product manager.

Many other large corporations, including Caterpillar Tractor, Hughes Aircraft, and Texas Instruments, also set up reporting along both functional and project lines around that time. In a matrix organization, instead of choosing between lining up staff along functional, geographic or product lines, management has both. Staffers report to a functional manager who can help with skills and help prioritize and review work, and to a product line manager who sets direction on product offerings by the company. This structure has some advantages: 1. Resources can be used efficiently, since experts and equipment can be shared across projects.

Products and projects are formally coordinated across functional departments. Information flows both across and up through the organization. Employees are in contact with many people, which helps with sharing of information and can speed the decision process.

The overlaps can lead to turf battles and difficulty in determining accountability. In a traditional hierarchy, people in the company report to just one boss.

According to the PMBOK Guide, the matrix organization is a combination of the projectized and the functional organization structures. The authority of a functional manager flows vertically downwards, and the influence of the project manager flows sideways. Since these authorities flow downward and sideways, this structure is called a matrix organization structure. Employees may report to many managers in a matrix organization structure.

Some from one section may report to one boss while the res. Strong Matrix Structure 2. These categories are as follows: 1. Balanced Matrix Structure 3. The following are a few advantages of a matrix organization structure : 1. Highly skilled and capable resources can be shared between the functional units and projects, allowing more open communication lines which help in sharing valuable knowledge within the organization. This usually happens in a balanced matrix organization where both bosses have equal authority and power. A conflict may arise between the project manager and the functional manager regarding the authority and power.

In a projectized organization, the project manager has all authority and power while in a functional organization, the functional manager has the authority. What is an example of a matrix organization? What are the characteristics of a matrix organization? Other articles from smallbusiness.

A matrix type of organisational structure combines the traditional departments seen in functional structures with project teams. In a matrix structure , individuals work across teams and projects as well as within their own department or function. Effectively, it means that the employees of the organisation have more than one boss!

Matrix structure is an organizational structure in business. The structure most often refers to a group project within a large company that uses workers from a variety of departments without actually transferring those workers. Each worker then moves between her day-to-day work and the special project. Unlike a traditional hierarchy in which each worker has one supervisor, a matrix system requires employees to report to two or more managers, each responsible for a different aspect of the organization’s overall product or service. Additionally, such a project may necessitate the skills and expertise of different employees in other departments to find dynamic solutions to complex problems.

Employees in a matrix organization generally report to both a product or project manager as well as a functional manager (department head). Last, the matrix structure is notorious for frequently obscuring lines of accountability, so leaders and managers should ensure that all employees understand whom they answer to and the duties for which they are responsible. The importance of regular discussions to reclarify expectations as work demands change is compounded in matrix organizations. The Matrix Organization Structure can deliver this, provided people have the skills to make the matrix work. This is a type of organizational structure which facilitates a horizontal flow of skills and informations.

Matrix Organisational Structure – Advantages, Problems and Guidelines for Making Matrix Management Effective Matrix organisation is also known as grid organisation, project or product management. The essence of matrix organisation is the combining of functional and product patterns of departmentation in the same organisation. In a matrix management system, an individual has a primary report-to boss while also working for one or more managers, typically on projects.