What is the main difference between a matrix-style organization model and a cross-functional team?
Organizations with hierarchical structures are easily graphed and defined. Often described as "tree structures," they are unambiguous and relatively permanent organizational models, in which each element in the organization reports to a higher element and concludes with the CEO or Board of Directors at the top. A matrix organizational structure, by contrast, is everything that a hierarchical structure is not. There are separate chains of command and employees are generally accountable to more than one boss. Show
What is a Matrix Structure?A well-known feature of this hierarchical model is that everyone in the organization reports to a single boss. The matrix structure is different in striking ways:
The Origins of Matrix Organizational StructuresMatrix structures evolved in response to the rise of large-scale projects in contemporary organizations. These projects required rapid infusions of technological know-how and efficient processing of very large amounts of information. Older organizational structures proved to be ill-equipped to deal with these very projects within the necessary time limits. What these large projects called for was an organizational structure that could respond quickly to interdisciplinary needs without disrupting existing functional organizational structures. Ins and Outs of Matrix StructuresThe matrix organizational structure provided solutions to these large scale project problems by allowing for impermanent project structures that co-existed with relatively permanent functional structures. For a given project, a team might be assembled from several departments in the functional structure, which was often some form of hierarchical structure. Instead of disassembling the functional structure to create this temporary project structure, the matrix structure retains the functional structure and superimposes on it a temporary project structure. Team members continue to report to functional managers, but also report to project managers. Effectively, every team member now has two bosses. Advantages of Matrix StructuresBecause matrix structures retain an organization's functional structure, they allow for the rapid creation of efficient large-scale, project structures that employ many members of the organization's functional structure but without disrupting or destroying the structure in the process. Because the two organizations have different timelines – one relatively permanent, the other designed to expire with the completion of the project – the kinds of managerial discontent that can arise when a sub-unit in an organization "steals" employees to work on a project is muted. In ideal matrix structures, the two structures share resources equally without territorial struggles, because as each functional manager knows, the project structure will eventually dissolve. Other advantages of matrix structures noted in one of the seminal academic studies of these structures are:
Disadvantages of Matrix StructuresThe same seminal study of matrix organizations also notes their disadvantages:
What is the main difference between a matrix organization model and a crossThe main difference between a matrix-style organization model and a cross-functional team is: The matrix model is a temporary arrangement, whereas the cross-functional team is a more permanent arrangement.
What is the main difference between a matrix style organization?The main difference between the matrix and hierarchical structure is that team members report to two managers in a matrix structure. This makes the matrix organization more complex and puts more responsibility on team members.
Is matrix the same as crossBoth matrix organization and a project organization are cross-functional structures that may include CFTs, but while project structures form around specific finite tasks, matrix structures tend to form around ongoing tasks (Ford and Randolph, 1992).
What is the difference between functional and crossFunctional teams are composed of members from several vertical levels of the organizational hierarchy who perform specific organizational functions. Cross-functional teams are composed of experts from more than one area, who work cooperatively towards a goal.
|