Matrix Organization in Project Management

By: Daiv Russell

In the 1960s and earlier, frequently big corporations were logically arranged into silos, in which divisions of employees reported to a line or functional manager. The attempt to restructure the organization to develop workable project management teams is referred to as a matrix organization.





Several different categories of matrix organizations exist. In each, the goal is to create a balance of power between each manager's particular functional needs. The primary types of matrices include: The Weak Matrix, Strong Matrix, and Balanced Matrix organizational structure. This article will cover the benefits and drawbacks of the strong matrix organization structure.





A Balanced Matrix Structure





There is a wise old saying; absolute power results in absolute corruption. Power struggles occur in all forms of matrix structures. Usually, the result of this type of power struggle will be detrimental to both groups who are struggling, the project and to the business organization as well. Sometimes these harmful effects may not be immediately visible. For example, if one project manager controls another manager and thus, forcing him or her to hand over important team members to aid in the completion of the project, the entire group suffers. It is imperative to find a manner with which to avoid this conflict.





Guidelines need to be in place to solve any problems that might arise due to conflicts with organizational boundaries. These guidelines should clearly state when each manager is in control of a particular worker. For example, make a rule stating that a worker may only be managed by the functional manager for projects lasting less than a week. For projects expected to take longer than one week's time, the rule could be that the project manager will control that employee. Another rule to consider is that one person may not be employed for two consecutive projects by the project manager.





To balance power between project and functional managers, it may be imposed a variety of rules and structures, in order to avoid the win/lose condition. Obviously, the name of the balanced matrix originates from the balanced power resulting from such organizational structure.




Author Resource:->  Daiv Russell is a management and marketing consultant with Envision Consulting in Tampa, Florida. Get more information on matrix organizational structure at project-management-course.info. Choose the right Project Management Software and better your Gantt Charts

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