Matrix Structure and Its Contributions to a Company’s Operational Flow Pattern

Abstract

Several attempts at structuring organizations have been met with resistance, counter productivity and / or good results depending on the relative outcomes of the exercise.  Purposefulness that would create a best-fit is the rule but when neglected often lands the strategist’s ship in trouble waters. Thus while several structural forms may exist, the best for any organization is that which suits its peculiarities and delivers on the expectations of the stakeholders. Here, the matrix structure is presented exposing its uniqueness, requirements, and contributions to the operational flow pattern of a matrix organization. An empirical approach using vivid literature review and survey is adopted. It is established that although other structural forms exist and would be good for different situations, given an organizational situation wherein several variables including product, customer, technology, geography, functional area and line of business have roughly equal strategic priorities, a matrix structure is the most effective.

Keywords: Matrix Structure, Matrix Organization, Operational Flow Pattern.