Matrix Management

Matrix Management is a structure that is organizational and blends elements of project-based and functional structures. In a Matrix Management system multiple reporting relationships are available to employees, typically seen offered to project managers who tend to supervise their work on specific initiatives and projects and functional managers who oversee their work within a discipline or department. 

Below are some key features of matrix management:

Efficiency: The efficiency structure can help to improve utilization and resource allocation, this is because employees can be shared across several projects based on their availability and skills. 

Dual Reporting: Employees are asked to report to a project manager and a functional manager. This is known as dual reporting and is a structure that allows for specialization in their areas of expertise whilst also contributing to various other initiatives or projects. 

Flexibility: Matrix Management is something that is designed to be adaptable to project priorities that may change. When the focus shifts to a project or a project is completed, employees are reassigned to new projects. This is done so that it does not cause any major changes to their employment status. 

Cross-Functional Teams: Cross-functional teams are often relied on by matrix organizations. This is something that sees members from different disciplines or departments work together on a project. This leads to a more holistic approach to problem-solving and can also encourage collaboration.

Matrix management will not always be suitable for all organizations and its success of it will depend on how it is managed and implemented. 

Matrix Management does have its benefits. Some of the benefits of Matrix Management are:

• Better utilization of specialized skills
• Improved coordination
• Ability to respond quickly to changing business needs

You will also find that Matrix Management can also lead to conflicts over things such as authority and priority, this is because employees have to balance demand from multiple managers. 

Clear roles, responsibilities and communication are essential to ensure a successful matrix management structure. 

You will often find Matrix management used in industries that require a high degree of collaboration across functional areas and project work. These could include consulting, software development and engineering.