been used globally by many companies.
According to a project manager's degree of responsibility, matrix organization can be classified as follows 11 :
Weak/Functional Matrix : A project manager has only limited authority. The functional managers maintain control over their resources and projects.
Balanced/Functional Matrix : A project manager is assigned to oversee the project. Power is shared equally between the project manager and the functional mangers. p> Strong/Project Matrix : A project manager is primarily responsible for the project. Functional managers provide technical expertise and assign resources as needed. p> Note, however, it is impossible to say that one type of matrix organization is better than the others 12 . <В
Matrix Organization: Advantages
Many businesses have turned to a matrix organization structure to track use of resources across traditional functional, departmental, and product line boundaries. A matrix can also map micro-organizations such as project and team structures within an overall organizational structure. In both cases, a main goal is to save money by avoiding duplication of effort.
The Matrix type of organization has several advantages. The matrix can be very effective in a complex, changing environment. Many high-tech companies use the matrix structure to adapt quickly to fast-changing markets. In the matrix, meetings are very common and they allow new issues to be raised and problems to be solved. In the matrix, employees can be transferred from one division to another easily. The matrix also enables the sharing of new experiences, methods of handling problems, skills among employees. In addition, in the matrix employees clearly know who is responsible for the success of the project. The matrix structure also makes possible the participation of workers in team meetings, discussions and in the attainment of divisional objectives. This means that in the matrix organization employees are motivated because they have relatively larger tasks. Finally, this type of organization is best suitable for global organizations, as in such organizations managers can effectively achieve goals and be flexible enough to adapt to changing environments. p> The advantages of the matrix can be summarized as follows:
Pros of the matrix organization:
В· More efficient use of resources than a single hierarchy
В· Flexibility, adaptability to changing environment
В· Development of general and specialist management skills
В· Cooperation between departments
В· Expertise available to everyone in the organization
В· Clear responsibility
В· Enlarged tasks for employees
В· Better suitable for global companies
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Matrix Organization: Disadvantages
Like any organizational form, the matrix has its disadv...
