A matrix organizational structure complements well between functional and project duties, but there are challenges as well.
- While organizational resources are moved around and used efficiently between projects, project members may be vying for the same resources with other teams. - While able to work on different tasks of functions and projects, sometimes in parallel, it is difficult to balance the conflicting priorities. - While decision making authority is very balanced between a functional manager and a project manager, there is ambiguity in it which can cause confusion and conflict.
Would like to learn from the community of the challenges of the matrix structure and suggestions to overcome them.
- Project schedule can take hit due to Lack of clarity regarding resource allocation and availability.
[Remedy: setup Communication channels in advance and use negotiation skill to secure resource. ]
- Absence of proper skill-set needed to perform project tasks. Also, weak time management skill can aggravate situation, if resource is assigned to multiple tasks.
[Remedy: proper vetting of resources. Allow provisions for less than optimal resources.]
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1 reply by Pang DX
Nov 12, 2018 11:09 AM
Pang DX
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Hi Ashok,
Yes, establishing strong communication channels, negotiation skill and time management are keys to secure resources.
Thank you for the advice.
I'm yet to see an organization that isn't a matrix of some kind, so we are all in familiar hands.
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1 reply by Pang DX
Nov 12, 2018 11:09 AM
Pang DX
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Hi Sante, noted with thanks.
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Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Because you stated thing from project management view let me say the situation you described is simple to solve. Why an initiative is initiated? Because the need to create a solution to business need related to achieve an objective. Who is the owner of the initiative? People who have the business need, not the project manager. Then, is so simple than that people must decide about all you stated. No more than that. It is totally independent of the organizational structure.
Always concentrate on Projects based on its strategic objectives. of the organisation. Optimal utilization of resources to derive maximum value to the organisation based on the available risk tolerance of the organisation and the concerned stakeholders is the key.
"- While organizational resources are moved around and used efficiently between projects, project members may be vying for the same resources with other teams.
- While able to work on different tasks of functions and projects, sometimes in parallel, it is difficult to balance the conflicting priorities."
This is solved by the intervention of senior management which decides which project or work (it can also be operational) has higher priority over other project or work. If management is unable to set priorities because all the work is equally important then temporary resources are brought in some form (contract employees, subcontracting).
"- While decision making authority is very balanced between a functional manager and a project manager, there is ambiguity in it which can cause confusion and conflict."
I have found that this is more a myth than reality. Usually functional managers are responsible for the work done on projects in their area of functional expertise while the PM works more like a facilitator trying to get all the stakeholder to agree.
It think it is very rare for a functional manager and a PM to give contradictory instructions to a project team member. PMs usually don't give instructions to team members but just ask them to work on some requirements without giving them concrete instructions on how to do the work.
The only conflict between the FM and the PM could arise on resource allocation but as I said this is usually solved by senior management which decides which work has higher priority.
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1 reply by Pang DX
Nov 12, 2018 11:23 AM
Pang DX
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Hi Adrian, well noted with thanks. Indeed, need higher management to understand the impacts of project and operational work on organizational goals in order to decide which task has higher priority and deploy resources effectively. PM and FM need to understand each other's constraints and work on a compromise if need arises.
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Deepesh RammoorthyICT Project Manager ( PMP®AgilePM®Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®))| Australian Red Cross Blood ServiceTarneit, Vic, Australia
Challenges of the Matrix structure :-
1) Specialist skillset and human capital is limited in an organization
2) Specialist skillset and human capital maybe engaged in several projects at once , one or more of these projects are being run by you as the project manager. It is important for the resources to give their 100% to your project(s) and that's the focus that YOU need to create for them.
3) Project funding may be limited to procure external specialist resources and you may have to wait for the human capital within your company to finish their prior engagements and then start working on your project.
4) You are not in charge of project prioritization as you are only in charge of one or more of the projects, therefore the changing project or business priorities may take away your project resources and human capital with little or no notice.
Mitigation of Challenges
Constant Negotiation with resource managers for resources and human capital.
Constant discussions with fellow Project Managers regarding the project progress . Communication with senior managers, resource managers and fellow project managers about where you foresee peak resource and human capital demands.
Communication of where you or others can perform resource leveling and smoothing to benefit each project
Awareness of impacts of other projects on the outcome of your project and vice versa
Justification to your Managers for specialist resources or work you can outsource and how the business can benefit from that.
Demonstration of Servant leadership , trust in your project team members
Recommendation of additional training or a rewards system for your project team members
Identification of key skills in your project team members and how they can be used to benefit your project.
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2 replies by Pang DX and Therese Poujade-Goustiaux
Nov 12, 2018 11:33 AM
Pang DX
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Hi Deepesh, well noted on mitigation of the challenges.
Indeed, establishing strong relationships and consistent communication will go a long way to cultivate strong collaboration. Upskill ownself and team members will increase and strengthen human capital.
Thanks for the great advice.
Nov 15, 2018 9:46 AM
Therese Poujade-Goustiaux
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Deepesh, You have a well-rounded mitigation of the matrix challenges addressing human capital, communication, and situational awareness of both the project and organizational priorities and resource allocations.
There are some challenges of Matrix Organizational Structure which are given below as :-
1-Increases organizational complexity
2-Requirement for high degree of cooperation between functional and project management
3-Difficulty of establishing priorities suiting both functional and project management
4-Clear communication must also exist between team members for success of Project but in the matrix structure clear communication is major challenges.
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1 reply by Pang DX
Nov 12, 2018 11:37 AM
Pang DX
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Hi Shadav, noted with thanks.
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Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
At crosshairs in a matrix, even with 5 dimensions (= bosses), i always felt enabled and empowered. No one could try to micromanage me, they respected each other and left me widely alone. It strengthened my negotiation and balancing capabilities. A boss becomes a mere stakeholder like anybody else, having needs and requirements to be aligned with my overarching mission.
Nothing better could happen.
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1 reply by Pang DX
Nov 16, 2018 7:41 AM
Pang DX
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Hi Thomas, interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing.
For any strategy, there is a challenge. This is not an exception.
First of all, the selection of the proper structure needs a detailed study. The design of reporting routes, as well as inter-organizational culture, should be adjusted accordingly. People should be aware of how to deal with a situation like those you mentioned based on a well-established policy. Their experience in such an environment is definitely an asset.
- Project schedule can take hit due to Lack of clarity regarding resource allocation and availability.
[Remedy: setup Communication channels in advance and use negotiation skill to secure resource. ]
- Absence of proper skill-set needed to perform project tasks. Also, weak time management skill can aggravate situation, if resource is assigned to multiple tasks.
[Remedy: proper vetting of resources. Allow provisions for less than optimal resources.]
Hi Ashok,
Yes, establishing strong communication channels, negotiation skill and time management are keys to secure resources.
Thank you for the advice. Saving Changes...
