Folks, if there is any problem in a “Matrix Organizational Structure” it won’t be because of the structure. I have almost grown up in a functional type organizational structure where there is always a supreme leader who almost always seem to knows it all. From what I have seen, the only thing that can create problems in a Matrix Organizational set up is lack of communication; almost always from the top.

If everything in a Matrix Organizational set up is like I saw Dr. Simon execute, it should be a pleasure working in one of them as long as there is smooth communication among the leaders of the various groups.

So the 1st thing that must be ensured in a Matrix Organizational setup is how communication should be carried on. After all, everyone who got picked up from one group must already have expertise relating to that area – knowledge to be contributed to the group they are selected to work in. So, the last thing I would expect to see in a Matrix Organizational setup is conflict; in stead, everyone should be prepared to learn from everyone else in a group, knowing everyone has been picked up from a group with knowledge of a different area of expertise.

Andrew Disame