Matrix organization is an organizational structure in a company or a business entity where reporting patterns are set up in a grid. This grid is otherwise referred to as a matrix (Gido et al., 2014). The matrix set up involves dual reporting relationship between employees and their managers and employees have more than one boss to report to.
There are three types of a matrix organization. These include the balanced matrix, strong matrix, and weak matrix. Under the three, it is the power of the project manager that fundamentally differs. A strong matrix is related to a strong project manager where there is no teamwork but instead have one powerful project manager during project work. On the other hand, there exists a weak matrix. This matrix project manager reports to the functional manager. In this setup, functional manager owns resources. The project manager lacks the powers enjoyed in a strong matrix (Harper, 2015). Their task is majorly based on administrative and other coordinating functions.
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The use of matrix organization structure has both the advantages equally the disadvantages. Using this structure ensures there is a clear of objectives articulation in a project. The structure is a sure integrating project objective with functional objectives, and there is also an efficient use of limited resources. Secondly, this structure develops that team spirit, and the opportunity to identify and retain experts through the life of the project. Importantly, there is an easier dispersion of team members back to the functional organization without any organizational disruptions, and lastly, it helps train managers and transforms them into leaders. On the other hand, there are also disadvantages, these include. Higher chances of conflicts caused by having more than one boss. Similarly, there is a tendency in human nature to play bosses against one another which at time negatively affects the project flow. Fundamentally, such structure causes organizational and management complexities, and it also requires higher levels of cooperation between the administrations. The matrix organization structure also poses challenges of delegating duties between the two managers (Harrison & Lock, 2017). This, in turn, causes slowdowns efficient management reaction to technicalities or events.
As a project manager, there are several things to look into to ensure that a project works well with a matrix organization. This includes the proper management skills, cooperation aspects with the concerned people, exercising minimal control and concentrate on the matrix set up. Considering the aforementioned, the skills will help people understand the reasoning behind the matrix while cooperation will ensure that there are speedy working relations, and exercising minimal control builds trust within the organizational matrix thereby make it work well.
References
Gido, J., Clements, J., & Clements, J. (2014). Successful project management . Ontario: Nelson Education.
Harper, C. (2015). Organizations: Structures, processes and outcomes . London: Routledge.
Harrison, F., & Lock, D. (2017). Advanced project management: a structured approach . London: Routledge.
