Matrix Organizational Structure In A Nutshell

A matrix organizational structure generally describes a business with multiple managerial accountability and responsibility. The main types of matrix structures comprise the strong matrix (authority lies with a project manager who has a senior role within the company), balanced matrix (it equally distributes power to both the project and functional manager), and weak matrix (where power lies with the functional manager completely).

Structure Type	Type of Structure	Structure Details	Advantages	Drawbacks
Functional Structure	Bureaucratic	Organized by functions or departments (e.g., marketing, finance, and production). Advantages include specialization and efficiency within functions, but it may hinder cross-functional collaboration.	– Specialization and efficiency within functions. – Clear lines of authority.	– Limited cross-functional collaboration. – May hinder innovation and adaptability.
Divisional Structure	Divisional	Organized by divisions or business units, each with its own resources and functions. It allows for autonomy but may result in duplication of resources.	– Autonomy for divisions. – Tailored approach to diverse markets.	– Potential duplication of resources. – May hinder coordination between divisions.
Matrix Structure	Dual Reporting	Combines elements of functional and divisional structures. Employees report to both functional and project or product managers. Offers flexibility but can lead to complex reporting relationships.	– Flexibility to work on multiple projects or products. – Efficient resource utilization.	– Complex reporting relationships. – Potential for conflicts and role ambiguity.
Network Structure	Collaborative	Collaborative and flexible, emphasizing partnerships and alliances with external organizations. Accesses external resources and expertise but can be complex to manage relationships.	– Access to external resources and expertise. – Efficient knowledge sharing.	– Complex management of external relationships. – Dependency on external partners.
Hybrid Structure	Combination	Combines different organizational structures to meet specific needs. Offers flexibility and efficiency but can be complex to manage.	– Flexibility to adapt to different areas of the organization.	– Complexity in managing different structural components. – Conflicts between elements.
Holacracy Structure	Self-Management	Decentralized and focused on self-management. Replaces traditional hierarchies with self-managed teams or circles. Enhances employee empowerment and autonomy but requires a cultural shift.	– Enhanced employee empowerment and autonomy. – Faster decision-making at the team level.	– Cultural shift and commitment to self-management principles required. – Role ambiguity possible. – Not suitable for all organizations.
Team-Based Structure	Collaborative	Emphasizes self-managed teams responsible for specific tasks or projects. Enhances teamwork and collaboration but requires skilled team leadership.	– Enhanced collaboration and teamwork. – Empowerment of team members.	– Requires skilled team leadership. – Potential for team conflicts. – May not suit all organizational functions.
Circular Structure	Circularity	Organized around circular, self-managing teams known as “circles.” Promotes empowerment and adaptability at the circle level but requires a shift in organizational culture.	– Empowerment of circle members. – Flexibility and adaptability at the circle level. – Enhanced communication and collaboration.	– Requires a shift in organizational culture and mindset. – Potential challenges in managing inter-circle relationships. – May not fit all contexts.
Flat Structure	Reduced Hierarchy	Reduces the number of hierarchical levels. Enhances communication and decision-making speed but may lack clear career advancement paths.	– Enhanced communication and decision-making speed.	– May lack clear career advancement paths. – Potential for limited hierarchy-related specialization.
Tall Structure	Multiple Hierarchy Levels	Has multiple hierarchical levels. Provides clear career paths but can result in slow decision-making and communication.	– Provides clear career paths. – Specialization and expertise at different levels.	– May result in slow decision-making and communication. – Potential for bureaucracy.
Centralized Structure	Concentrated Authority	Concentrates decision-making authority at the top of the hierarchy. Ensures consistency and control but may hinder adaptability.	– Ensures consistency and control. – Clear lines of authority.	– May hinder adaptability and innovation. – Potential for bureaucracy.
Decentralized Structure	Distributed Authority	Distributes decision-making authority across the organization. Enhances adaptability and innovation but requires strong communication and coordination.	– Enhances adaptability and innovation. – Empowers employees at various levels.	– Requires strong communication and coordination. – Potential for confusion without clear guidelines.
Virtual or Networked Structure	Technology-Driven	Employs technology to connect employees across locations. Reduces the need for physical offices but may challenge traditional management practices.	– Reduces the need for physical offices. – Enables remote work and collaboration.	– May challenge traditional management practices. – Requires effective use of technology.
Boundaryless Structure	Elimination of Boundaries	Eliminates traditional boundaries within and outside the organization. Promotes innovation and collaboration but requires a culture of trust and transparency.	– Promotes innovation and collaboration. – Encourages a culture of trust and transparency.	– Requires a significant cultural shift. – May face resistance to boundary elimination.
Lean Structure	Streamlined and Efficient	Emphasizes efficiency and cost reduction by eliminating unnecessary layers and processes. Increases efficiency but may strain resources.	– Increases efficiency and cost-effectiveness. – Streamlines processes.	– May strain resources in the pursuit of efficiency. – Potential for overemphasis on cost reduction at the expense of other factors.
Mechanistic Structure	Rigid Hierarchy	Characterized by a rigid hierarchy and strict control. Ensures clear lines of authority but may hinder adaptability.	– Ensures clear lines of authority. – Efficient decision-making within established processes.	– May hinder adaptability and innovation. – Potential for bureaucracy and slow decision-making.
Organic Structure	Flexible and Decentralized	Flexible and adaptable, with decentralized decision-making. Encourages innovation but may lead to ambiguity in roles and responsibilities.	– Encourages innovation and adaptability. – Empowers employees to make decisions.	– May lead to ambiguity in roles and responsibilities. – Requires strong communication and coordination.
M-Form (Multidivisional) Structure	Divisional and Autonomous	Divides the organization into semi-autonomous divisions or subsidiaries, each with its own leadership. Suitable for complex organizations but may require effective corporate-level coordination.	– Provides autonomy to divisions or subsidiaries. – Tailored approach to diverse markets. – Specialization within divisions.	– Requires effective corporate-level coordination. – May lead to variations in strategies and practices across divisions.

Table of Contents

Understanding a matrix organizational structure

There are no set guidelines for a matrix organizational structure. This is because the matrix structure is simply a combination of two or more structure types to give each more balance.

As a result, a business can create a matrix structure according to its particular needs and the industry it operates in.

Nevertheless, most organizations using this structure incorporates two chains of command.

One manages functional activities while the other is tasked with managing projects, products, or clients. It’s important to note that these roles are fluid and the balance of power between each manager is not organizationally defined.

Rather than one project manager overseeing every aspect of a project, employees report to two or more managers. This arrangement is often useful when skills need to be shared across departments to complete a task.

Three types of matrix structures

The matrix organizational structure can be divided into three types:

Strong matrix

Where authority lies with a project manager who has a senior role within the company.

With control over resources and distribution of tasks, the project manager may have more power than the functional manager.

Balanced matrix

As the name suggests, the balanced matrix equally distributes power to both the project and functional manager.

Employees report to the project manager who in turn reports to the functional manager to ensure accountability.

Weak matrix

Where power lies with the functional manager completely. In this scenario, the project manager has a role better defined as a project coordinator or expeditor.

They act as a facilitator between the customer and the project team and can only institute minor project management directives.

Advantages and disadvantages of the matrix organizational structure

Advantages

Enhanced communication – with none of the communication barriers seen in a purely hierarchical structure, communication between departments is fluid and collaborative. Large and diverse companies featuring many functional units can collectively work toward a shared goal.
Employment development – employees working under a matrix structure are exposed to new methods and ways of thinking. This helps them push the boundaries of their comfort zones to further personal and organizational objectives.

Disadvantages

Lack of effectiveness. Large companies may suffer from organizational bloating, where a surplus of managerial and administrative roles combined with more points of communication may decrease productivity. The decision to combine various organizational structures may instead dilute the benefits each structure brings in isolation.
Disharmony. Cross-functional working under a matrix structure does not always succeed. Teams can lose their best talent to other teams or departments indefinitely, causing further productivity losses and a decrease in morale. In some cases, employees returning to their teams after an unsuccessful stint elsewhere may have trouble re-integrating.

Key Highlights

Matrix Organizational Structure Defined:
- Involves multiple managerial accountability and responsibility.
- Combines two or more structure types to create balance based on the organization’s needs and industry.
- Features two chains of command: functional managers and project managers.
Three Types of Matrix Structures:
- Strong Matrix: Authority lies with a project manager with a senior role, controlling resources and tasks more than the functional manager.
- Balanced Matrix: Power is equally distributed between project and functional managers. Employees report to the project manager, who reports to the functional manager.
- Weak Matrix: Functional manager holds complete power, and the project manager acts as a coordinator or expeditor between the customer and project team.
Advantages of Matrix Structures:
- Enhanced Communication: Fluid and collaborative communication between departments.
- Employee Development: Exposure to new methods and thinking, pushing personal and organizational boundaries.
Disadvantages of Matrix Structures:
- Lack of Effectiveness: Organizational bloating and decreased productivity due to excessive managerial roles and communication points.
- Disharmony: Cross-functional work might lead to talent loss, productivity decline, and challenges in re-integration after unsuccessful assignments.
Tailored Approach:
- Matrix structures can be adapted based on the organization’s specific requirements, making it a versatile option.
Communication and Collaboration:
- Matrix structures promote communication fluidity and collaboration across diverse departments.
Employee Growth and Adaptation:
- Exposure to different roles and perspectives encourages personal and organizational growth.
Complexity and Challenges:
- The complexity of matrix structures can lead to issues such as organizational bloat and disharmony.