Question

In a short essay, describe the matrix structure. What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 1

Matrix organization refers to the organization where the employees perform different roles in different functions and report to multiple managers.

Strong matrix organization, the authority and responsibilities lies to the project manager and take control of the resources and allocate resources of project and cross-functional teams to complete the project work.

The advantages of matrix organization are effective usage of resources across different functions, high motivation in employees due to multiple roles and showcasing their skills in different field, improved and prompt decision-making due to designated project manager (strong project focus) and specialists are not changed when the project ends as they work along with their functional group.

The disadvantages of matrix organization are increase in internal complexity and confusion and increase in internal conflict due to multiple reporting lines. This occur due to power struggle and it also result in groups competition for scarce resources.