Matrix Organizational Structures

Matrix Organizational Structures

In recent times the two types of organization structures which have evolved are the matrix organization and the network organization. Rigid departmentalization is being complemented by the use of teams that cross over traditional departmental lines.

In recent times the two types of organization structures which have evolved are the matrix organization and the network organization. Rigid departmentalization is being complemented by the use of teams that cross over traditional departmental lines.

Matrix structure is the combination of two or more structures explained above. This is the structure that is adopted by most of the multinational companies. In a matrix context, the business support functions also ensure coordination across the business functions within each sub-function (such as procurement, production, marketing, distributing, etc.). They are also responsible for specialization related coordination, training, development and learning, problem solving, development of norms, standards and guidelines for functioning as appropriate to the area of specialization.

For example, we can have a functional structure and then assign a manager for each product. Some employees will have two managers: functional manager and product manager.

Main Features of Matrix Structure

Shared Services is the centralization of service offering at one part of an organization or group sharing funding and resourcing. The providing department effectively becomes an internal service provider. The key is the idea of 'sharing' within an organization or group.  To accelerate business benefits such as lower cost of operations and improved business processes, the vast majorities of organizations centralize some functions into shared services and outsource various others to third-party service providers because some support functions tend to be similar across industries.

The matrix structure is a combination of the product and functional organization and is usually created for executing a project which requires the skilled services of a functional man as well as the specialized knowledge of a product man. Large turnkey projects in specialized fields require a matrix structure.

The distinguishing characteristic of a matrix structure is that it operates under a dual authority. A person is accountable to two bosses at the same time, one his usual boss and the other his boss for the duration of the project. Obviously the problems emanating from this type of structure relate to conflicting roles and authority arising out of an ambiguous demarcation of authority and responsibility. In a Matrix Structure, people typically have two or more lines of report. This type of organization may combine both functional and divisional lines of responsibility, allowing it to focus on divisional performance while also sharing specialized skills and resources.

Related Links

Creation Date Thursday, 29 December 2022 Hits 2283

You May Also Like

  • Defining Reporting Dimensions

    Defining Reporting Dimensions

    Multitude of these legal and operational structures clubbed with accounting and reporting needs give rise to many reporting dimensions at which the organization may want to track or report its operational metrics and financial results.  This is where business dimensions play a vital role.

  • Five Core General Ledger Accounts

    Five Core General Ledger Accounts

    Typically, the accounts of the general ledger are sorted into five categories within a chart of accounts. Double-entry accounting uses five and only five account types to record all the transactions that can possibly be recorded in any accounting system. These five accounts are the basis for any accounting system, whether it is a manual or an automated accounting system. These five categories are assets, liabilities, owner's equity, revenue, and expenses.

  • Horizontal or Flat Organizational Structures

    Horizontal or Flat Organizational Structures

    Flat organizational structure is an organizational model with relatively few or no levels of middle management between the executives and the frontline employees.  Its goal is to have as little hierarchy as possible between management and staff level employees. In a flat organizational structure, employees have increased involvement in the decision-making process.

  • GL - Different Accounting Methods

    GL - Different Accounting Methods

    The accounting method refers to the rules a company follows in reporting revenues and expenses. Understand the two common systems of bookkeeping, single, and double-entry accounting systems. Learners will also understand the two most common accounting methods; cash and accrual methods of accounting and the advantages and disadvantages of using them.

  • What is Accounting & Book Keeping

    What is Accounting & Book Keeping

    Accounting is a process designed to capture the economic impact of everyday transactions. Each day, many events and activities occur in an entity, these events and activities are in the normal course of business; however, each of these events may or may not have an economic impact. Events or activities that have an effect on the accounting equation are accounting events. 

  • Sole Proprietorship Form

    Sole Proprietorship Form

    The sole trader organization (also called proprietorship) is the oldest form of organization and the most common form of organization for small businesses even today.  In a proprietorship the enterprise is owned and controlled only by one person.  This form is one of the most popular forms because of the advantages it offers. It is the simplest and easiest to form.

     

  • GL - Journal Entry & Import

    GL - Journal Entry & Import

    This article explains the process of entering and importing general ledger journals in automated accounting systems. Learn about the basic validations that must happen before the accounting data can be imported from any internal or external sub-system to the general ledger. Finally, understand what we mean by importing in detail or in summary.

  • Defining Internal Structures

    Defining Internal Structures

    Internally, an organization can be structured in many different ways, depending on their objectives. The internal structure of an organization will determine the modes in which it operates and performs. Organizational structure allows the expressed allocation of responsibilities for different functions and processes to different entities such as the branch, department, workgroup and individual.

  • Example of Subsidiary Ledgers

    Example of Subsidiary Ledgers

    In this article, we explain some commonly used subsidiary ledgers like accounts receivable subsidiary ledger, accounts payable subsidiary ledger or creditors' subsidiary ledger, inventory subsidiary ledger, fixed assets subsidiary ledger, projects subsidiary ledger, work in progress subsidiary ledger, and cash receipts or payments subsidiary ledger. 

  • Defining Organizational Hierarchies

    Defining Organizational Hierarchies

    A hierarchy is an ordered series of related objects. You can relate hierarchy with “pyramid” - where each step of the pyramid is subordinate to the one above it.  One can use drill up or down to perform multi-dimensional analysis with a hierarchy. Multi-dimensional analysis uses dimension objects organized in a meaningful order and allows users to observe data from various viewpoints.

Explore Our Free Training Articles or
Sign Up to Start With Our eLearning Courses

Subscribe to Our Newsletter


© 2023 TechnoFunc, All Rights Reserved