From experience, I currently work in a matrix-style work environment. I prefer a matrix organization because of the ease of access of information. Throughout my time working in this environment, I have been given the opportunity to learn from all different types of experts in various fields. All of this various information has helped me accomplish my own tasks within the project as well as broadened my knowledge of how to advance the project itself. I believe a matrix organization is the ideal way to go about setting up the foundation of a company. I have a strong belief in maintaining a strong foundation of communication within the project and a matrix-style work environment will accomplish just that. Each individual in each of the various departments will be able to work together to reach each and every goal of the project in unison as a team. 

My preference would be to work in a matrix structure because it can increase efficiency to meet the demands of the project by collaboration with various teams. This structure can also help to increase skills of employees.

I would work in a matrix structure which helps to collaborate between departments, allows employees to develop new skills and keep up their functional roles. Matrix structural organization also combines project and functional management structures. This will help me in exposure to various skills and developments regarding the project knowledge.

I would like to work for a matrix type organization. Matrix type seems flexible to the changes in its type. The departments in this type of structure can work closely together and communicate with each other more frequently to get issues resolved. There are effective lines of communication that exist in the organization for quick decision-making. People from different departments can collaborate to implement and execute strategies. The matrix organization structure encourages a democratic leadership style that incorporates the input of project team members before managers make decisions. This contributes to valuable information that leads to employee satisfaction and increased motivation. Every decision made by the manager is based on the employees’ point of view. Other different advantages can be:

• Clear articulation of project objectives
• Workable way of integrating project objectives with functional objectives
• Efficient use of limited human resources
• Rapid (often interdisciplinary) information flow through the project
• Retention of expert teams through the life of the project
• Rapid dispersion of team members back into the functional organization upon project completion without organizational disruption
• Project management trains managers to become leaders in the functional organization
• Project structures develop team spirit and high morale
• Possibility of conflicts arising during the project carrying over to functional management

I would prefer to work for a company that employs a functional organizational structure because it seems to be the most intuitive form of corporate hierarchy. I currently work as a technician for a company that follows a functional structure and if I need help understanding a quality policy, I know to consult the quality department. If I have a question regarding a particular customer account, I know to contact the sales department. The advantage of having a functional organizational structure is that I can contact such department and they will consult each other to resolve my issue quickly. Similarly, if a department calls me with a technical support question, I will either have the answer for them or be able to transfer them to a technical expert who can help. I feel that seeking assistance such as this in a matrix organizational structure can lead to many “dead ends” and miscommunication.

I currently am employed in the hospital setting. It is organized in a functional manner. Functional organizations seem to be the best option at first glance so the hierarchy is transparent and you can see if you would be able to advance within the organization. Employees feel more at ease as a result. However, the lack of interdepartmental communication and one person's complete power over decision-making on a subject sounds like a catastrophe waiting to happen. I feel that it works pretty well and it is simple. Matrix organization is the organizational structure I want my next job to be .The benefits include effective resource control, the absence of silos, and knowledge sharing between programs and agencies. The disadvantages were that everybody had at least two supervisors, project and department plans could clash, and functional and project heads would have to compete for money. Personally, I agree that the matrix organization system is the most efficient, and it is the one that I would choose.

I like the simplicity of functional organizations. However, amid the straightforwardness that it offers, it may be difficult for a companies growth. It is ideal for a smaller business but maybe troublesome for large corporations that have to oversee larger or multiple projects. Even with smaller corporations, I would still like the matrix organization as various people provide expertise for their part (each supervisor is responsible for their portion of the project with little to no overlapping of tasks) of the project. In doing so, there is more than one person that is providing feedback for a successful project. 

The matrix organization is my preferred method to work in. This allows everyone to work freely and information is easily shared between project teams and members. I believe the power is not focused solely on a manager and the team members have more access to speak there mind freely about there ideas and there role on the team. I believe input is important when working with others on a project! My second option would be functional, because in some project team settings there does need to be a leader that can have control over the start and finish of the project, and make sure everyone is on task.

I don't have any experience working in any of the organization types at the moment. However, the format that seems the most appealing to me is the Matrix structure. I like the idea of picking which staff would best fit the position I'm trying to fill as a Project Manager if I were to be in that position. I also don't mind interacting with different people on a team for each project. I like the advantage of working with different people for each project so that I won't get stuck in a routine. It would be interesting to figure out what combinations of staff work together best under varying circumstances. For example, one arrangement may work when presented with a short, pressure-filled deadline and another for a more "relaxed" deadline that allows more attention to detail. The downside to this would be the potential scheduling conflicts, but the scheduling issue may be fixed on its own with proper planning and organization skills. 

@sameer-rana I agree that the project and matrix functional structures can be better suited for most companies. In a project-based organizational structure, planning and execution are carried out as a team. There are individuals that are heads of the project, but the completion of a project relies on the team. Progress can only be made as a team This structure will require individuals to bring together their different specialties for one goal. The matrix functional structure has many moving parts that seem confusing when reading about it. It seems that everyone has a part that does not require much interaction. A strong advantage would be communication. Communication can easily lead to the success or failure of a project.

Posted by: @amd29

Quite recently Dr. Simon organized us into project teams. And strangely, I became a part of one before I knew it. The approach of forming the team was weird.
Personally, after experiencing with the Functional Organizational type in the past, learning of the Project-based type and now having an experience with the Matrix type organization, I seem to very much prefer the Matrix type over the others; it seems to make more sense and would give room for better outcome from a group.

I wonder: what type of organizational setup would you prefer to work with/manage out there: Functional, Project-based or Matrix-based; but why?

For me, I think that a matrix-based works better with my personality. Matrix management is an organizational structure in which some individuals report to more than one supervisor or leader–relationships described as a solid line or dotted line reporting. I think it has a level of freedom that other organizations don't offer. It seems to be broken down into smaller sections which can help form better relationships and feels more like a family setting.

Posted by: @amd29

Quite recently Dr. Simon organized us into project teams. And strangely, I became a part of one before I knew it. The approach of forming the team was weird.
Personally, after experiencing with the Functional Organizational type in the past, learning of the Project-based type and now having an experience with the Matrix type organization, I seem to very much prefer the Matrix type over the others; it seems to make more sense and would give room for better outcome from a group.

I wonder: what type of organizational setup would you prefer to work with/manage out there: Functional, Project-based or Matrix-based; but why?

Personally, I would like to work in a project based organization. It was easy for me to eliminate working under a matrix organization simply because I have worked in this group before. Having to work under several bosses can become infuriating because every boss has a deadline and they their workers to work on their time. A lot of times getting work completed for several people in certain time frame can either become impossible or overwhelming. There is a lot of conflictions between department and project schedules which can cause chaos. The benefits of working in a project based organization is that it is convenient when working with team members. The quote "two heads are better than one" is very useful in this organization which I find is beneficial when doing research. 

Posted by: @amd29

Quite recently Dr. Simon organized us into project teams. And strangely, I became a part of one before I knew it. The approach of forming the team was weird.
Personally, after experiencing with the Functional Organizational type in the past, learning of the Project-based type and now having an experience with the Matrix type organization, I seem to very much prefer the Matrix type over the others; it seems to make more sense and would give room for better outcome from a group.

I wonder: what type of organizational setup would you prefer to work with/manage out there: Functional, Project-based or Matrix-based; but why?

I feel that I would prefer to work for this Functional type of organizational structure, because I like to have a clear cut understanding of what it take to advance. While also only have one person really say what goes.

I currently work in a Project based organization and so far I think it's been working for us. We're able to make sure the project gets all the resources it needs in order to get complete which is the ultimate goal in industry. If I were to switch projects I could easily transfer over my skills to a new product. However, I do acknowledge the benefits of a matrix organization as it better balances project management and design control principles/schedules though I have not worked in one myself yet. 

Personally, I have only worked in a Matrix-based organization and really enjoy this organization structure. Out of the three options, I think the Matrix-based would be my preference because of the sharing of departmental knowledge between colleagues. I think this is a pivotal way to continue to grow as an engineer and get better at my job. I may encounter different problems than my coworkers but because there is transparency and a good transfer of knowledge, I can gain an understanding of how to approach a similar situation if it arises. I think this is important if you are communicative and friendly with your coworkers, which I have been in the fortunate position to be. 

Another reason I prefer this organization type is because I like being busy and juggling multiple things at once. My organization has me working on several projects simultaneously which means that I am always scheduling and keeping my foot on the gas towards getting my work done. Everyday at the office is exciting and I'm never bored just waiting for things to do.

I think in the other two organization types, I would not have the same exposure to departmental knowledge or be kept as busy as I am in an matrix-based organization. 

Does anyone feel differently about this?

Thanks,

Matt