Matrix structure: what it is and what it means

The matrix structure is an organizational model that combines the functional structure with a project or product structure: each person reports to two bosses — the function manager and the project manager. It provides maximum flexibility in the allocation of resources and integrated cross-functional coordination, but it requires significant organizational and managerial maturity to avoid ambiguity about who reports to whom.

Distinctive: reports to two bosses
Distinctive: the function manager and the project manager
Essential: combines the functional structure
Essential: flexibility in the allocation of resources
Constant: integrated cross-functional coordination

Glossary

Matrix structure

An organizational model that combines a functional structure with a project structure, creating a dual reporting line: each person reports both to the function manager and to the project manager.