Understanding Matrix Structures and their Alternatives

"Today's corporate world is global, complex and highly interconnected. The progressing digitization across all industries leads to an unprecedented pace at which businesses have to adapt. Organizations are struggling to keep up with these challenges of an ever changing business environment. The authors are taking a refreshing look into matrix organization and how this organizational form is experiencing a renaissance in adapting to today's business needs. I find this very helpful." (Dr. Thomas Vetter, Senior Vice President, SAP SE)

In addition to structural configuration, Understanding Matrix Structures identifies and develops the mode of decision making within a matrix as an important second dimension of matrix structure design.

This book describes the use of matrix structures in large, complex organizations such as MNCs. Using an information-processing perspective of organization design, it develops a more comprehensive theory for fitting the structural configurations of matrix structures to key characteristics of firm strategy. Empirical research by the authors supports this theoretical framework. In addition to structural configuration, Understanding Matrix Structures identifies and develops the mode of decision making within a matrix as an important second dimension of matrix structure design. It can be either balanced (joint) decision making by the two dimensions of a matrix or rule-based decision making, where rules pre-assign certain decisions to one dimension or the other for unitary decision making. Recent exploratory research by the authors supports this conceptual framework and provides the potential to create a more flexible matrix structure- one that facilitates a more ambidextrous organization.