All the global companies today have a matrix structure where they have a combination of geographical divisions with product divisions. Areas in which these companies can be found are in the aerospace, chemical and engineering industries.
In the matrix structure, employees are grouped by both function and product. This structure can combine the best of both separate structures. A matrix organization frequently uses teams of employees to accomplish work, in order to take advantage of the strengths, as well as make up for the weaknesses, of functional and decentralized forms. An example would be a company that produces two products, 'product a' and 'product b'. Using the matrix structure, this company would organize functions within the company as follows: 'product a' sales department, 'product a' customer service department, 'product a' accounting, 'product b' sales department, 'product b' customer service department, 'product b' accounting department. Matrix structure is amongst the purest of organizational structures, a simple lattice emulating order and regularity demonstrated in nature. There are three separate types of matrix structure which can be used.
First is the Weak Functional Matrix here a project manager with only limited authority is assigned to oversee the cross- functional aspects of the project. The functional managers maintain control over their resources and project areas.
The next type is Balanced Functional Matrix. In this matrix a project manager is assigned to oversee the project. Power is shared equally between the project manager and the functional managers. It brings the best aspects of functional and projective organizations. However, this is the most difficult system to maintain as the sharing of power is delicate.
Lastly there is the Strong Project Matrix here a project manager is primarily responsible for the project. Functional managers provide technical expertise and assign resources as needed.
Among these matrixes, there is no best format; implementation success always depends on organization's purpose and function.
In the matrix structure, employees are grouped by both function and product. This structure can combine the best of both separate structures. A matrix organization frequently uses teams of employees to accomplish work, in order to take advantage of the strengths, as well as make up for the weaknesses, of functional and decentralized forms. An example would be a company that produces two products, 'product a' and 'product b'. Using the matrix structure, this company would organize functions within the company as follows: 'product a' sales department, 'product a' customer service department, 'product a' accounting, 'product b' sales department, 'product b' customer service department, 'product b' accounting department. Matrix structure is amongst the purest of organizational structures, a simple lattice emulating order and regularity demonstrated in nature. There are three separate types of matrix structure which can be used.
First is the Weak Functional Matrix here a project manager with only limited authority is assigned to oversee the cross- functional aspects of the project. The functional managers maintain control over their resources and project areas.
The next type is Balanced Functional Matrix. In this matrix a project manager is assigned to oversee the project. Power is shared equally between the project manager and the functional managers. It brings the best aspects of functional and projective organizations. However, this is the most difficult system to maintain as the sharing of power is delicate.
Lastly there is the Strong Project Matrix here a project manager is primarily responsible for the project. Functional managers provide technical expertise and assign resources as needed.
Among these matrixes, there is no best format; implementation success always depends on organization's purpose and function.
