Comments on: Matrix Organizational Structure - History and Styles

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:19:32 +0000

You provided nice summary. However, in the strong matrix you noted above, employees have two masters and the master creating the performance review does not have first hand knowlegde of the employees performance. This is a bad situation.

A still better approach is to use a project or program based organization. In this organization the PM performs the HR function and their are no functional managers. The functional managers are replaced with centers of excellence that generate standards and promote best practices. Dispite common belief, in a project based organization, employees are more fully utilized because they tend to cross train and find additional ways to contribute. Further, they only have one master.

By: JJ Strydom

JJ Strydom — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:34:15 +0000

I would like to know what is the advantages and disadvantages of each of the following structures Functional, Project and Matrix organizational structures.

By: Dikeledi

Dikeledi — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:26:22 +0000

Wow! If you want to pass your Project Management courses, this site is your home.

By: shannon

shannon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:39:19 +0000

There are no examples on a matrix organization structure

By: chetan

chetan — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:07:24 +0000

Do you see any reasons why managing by objectives may result in increased use of matrix organizational structures?

By: Eugene

Eugene — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:37:42 +0000

Nice article. Thanks. Eugene

By: BlahBlahBlah

BlahBlahBlah — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:41:37 +0000

Who authored this article, I’m a student and would like to reference it. I think it’s extremely relevant to my project management course.

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:35:54 +0000

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By: Kevan Hall

Kevan Hall — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:56:19 +0000

Good summary and review of the matrix structure, thanks

I agree that strong project management is critical to driving the “activity” leg of the a matrix but this also has to be balanced with the “community” legs that develop a sense of identity and build capability for instance.

In some instances (lots of short term projects for example) it may make more sense to leave the power with the community legs as they have alonger term committment to success. Project managers in this envirnment will typically (and rightly) be focused on achevement of short term objectives.