Each of these has their own advantages and drawbacks. There are several advantages to using the matrix organizational structure. Under this structure, direct contact replaces bureaucracy. Products and pr… Read more: The Essential Functions of Management. In a matrix organization, instead of choosing between lining up staff along functional, geographic or product lines, management has both. 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Matrix Organizational Structure Using the matrix organizational structure. We are deep content experts in remote & virtual teams, matrix management and agile & digital leadership. Its objective is to carry out operations smoothly and efficiently. There can sometimes be several key disadvantages to using a matrix structure: One common disadvantage of the matrix structure can appear as confusion between managers who are involved with projects that are outlined by the matrix. These matrix organizational structure advantages and disadvantages must get taken into consideration at the local level. Resources can be used efficiently, since experts and equipment can be shared across projects. For instance, the project manager might draw their team members from the administrative, human resources and marketing teams. Here’s how to identify which style works best for you, and why it’s important for your career development. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a matrix organizational structure in the workplace. All projects the team members may be working on can eventually be completed while their functional roles within the organization are permanent. Team members may need to perform their functional role within the company and perform separate tasks for the project manager. Do you know the three types of learning styles? Additionally, you may consider addressing any employee misconceptions about what the project entails overall, as well as what tasks they may be responsible for. Download Citation | On Jan 1, 2015, Krzysztof Goś published The Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Matrix Organizational Structures | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate Oftentimes in a matrix organizational structure, employees are assigned to multiple tasks across a number of projects. Whilst these symptoms are common – they are not inevitable. For example, you might require employees to fill out a weekly report template outlining tasks completed toward the project. You might offer opportunities for the involved departments to collaborate, so that each manager and team has a clear understanding of how they may be working together. Divisional structures group various organizational functions into … Some key details to consider when outlining your project within the matrix may include: Consider how you will outline each expectation of the managers involved with the project. The decision-making process can be slowed down. It also introduces some potential downsides of the matrix for the way we work together. The vertical flow provides information to follow from project to project while the horizontal flow provides information to go from functional units to functional units. Matrix structure mainly encompasses functional and project structures. For instance, the marketing and finance department may be consulted for working on the budget and any strategies for a new ad campaign. Our tools and programs have been developed for diverse and demanding audiences. The main advantages of this structure are efficiency, strong project focus, easier post-project transition and flexible use of organizational resources. Crafting Your Career: How to Grow Your Role at Your Current Company, Collaboration between different departments, Combines project and functional management structures, Team members and managers keep their functional roles. This way of working is the norm in complex organizations, 6 key advantages of the matrix organization. If you want to learn more about organizational structure types in Project Management you should check out our 100% Online and Self-Paced Project Management Professional Certification Training . Meetings and bureaucracy can rise as the amount of coordination and communication increases. The matrix organizational structure provides an outline for a project that may demand a more global approach. Project coordinator can take Low bit decision on the allocation of the resources 4. For example, the project manager might be expected to report on the overall progress of the project while the marketing manager might be expected to produce a result. Ultimately, with careful planning, clear expectations and open, effective communication, the matrix organizational structure can be an advantageous method of organizing multiple roles and departments when undertaking a large-scale project. For more about how we deliver our keynotes, workshops, live web seminars and online learning. Employees might suffer burnout or overlook or fail to complete tasks or have their quality of work suffer due to time constraints. 2. A disadvantage is that employees are responsible to their project team as well as to their functional areas. 2. Each project is a profit center and is looked after by the project manager. There are three common organizational structures, and project managers work in all of them: functional, project, and matrix. For example, a company could have human resources, marketing, operational and finance departments. These two or more managerial systems intersect on a grid or matrix. 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