Explain three differences between the following types of organisational structure: Functional and Matrix

Question 1

First difference between Functional and Matrix1

Answer 1

The first difference between a Functional organisation and a Matrix organisation is that in a Matrix organisation, a Project Manager and a functional line manager may compete for resources. Whereas, in a Functional organisation, the line manager in charge would instruct individuals on how they should prioritise their workloads, which means there would be fewer issues regarding commitments to projects.

Question 2

First difference between Functional and Matrix2

Answer 2

The maturity of the organisation determines how large the difference is between a Functional and Matrix organisation. For example, in a Strong Matrix organisation, the decision may come down to ‘whoever shouts the loudest gets the resources. In this situation, there can be an overlap of resources available to both the project manager and the business-as-usual manager.

Question 3

First difference between Functional and Matrix3

Answer 3

The competition for internal resources can lead to internal project conflict if a project team member decides to prioritise their business-as-usual work over their project work.

Question 4

Second difference between Functional and Matrix1

Answer 4

The second difference between a Functional organisation and a Matrix organisation is that Functional organisations have different departments that carry out routine business-as-usual work daily

Question 5

Second difference between Functional and Matrix2

Answer 5

When the need for a project arises, an individual department may deliver an entire project, or if they do not have the capability, they may do their part and pass the project on to another department.

Question 6

Second difference between Functional and Matrix3

Answer 6

However, a Matrix organisation will have a dedicated project team made up of subject experts from different departments working together to achieve the delivery of a project. For example, a digital finance project team could be made up of a Project Manager, Developer, Web Analyst, User Researcher, Finance Officer, Content Designer, Product Owner, etc.

Question 7

third difference between Functional and Matrix1

Answer 7

The third difference between a Functional organisation and a Matrix organisation is that Functional organisations have clear lines of communication during business as usual and during projects. Whereas the lines of communication in Matrix organisations can be blurred, depending on the strength of the Matrix organisation.

Question 8

third difference between Functional and Matrix2

Answer 8

For example, within a Functional structure, Finance Officers report to the Finance Manager, the Finance Manager reports to the Head of Finance, and the Head of Finance reports to the Finance Director. This type of structural simplicity allows for all involved to know exactly everyone’s roles and responsibilities during business as usual and a project. Because of this, it may be easier to hold individuals accountable when they are not performing or not contributing