Written Assignment Unit 7

The Matrix Organizational Structure

A matrix organizational structure is a structure in a business where there is more than one line of

managers that employees are expected to report to. Simply put, this means that there are different

levels of management and employees have multiple bosses. This structure is mainly used in

business that diverse product lines and services. (The Economic Times, 2021) There are many

advantages to using the matrix organizational structure such as: it allows cross-collaboration

between staff members and the different departments. This means that highly skilled people from

different departments can work together and capitalize on the resources that they have instead of

seeking to hire someone else from outside the organization. Another advantage is that it allows

for interdepartmental communication. This means that as different departments work together, it

creates a more open work environment, creating a more dynamic workplace for all. Another

advantage is that employees can develop new skills. The matric structure allows for employees

to improve on their interpersonal skills and communication skills. Working outside of the

traditional hierarchal system allows employees to gain experience in different departments and to

develop new skills. (Indeed career Guide, 2020) However, the matrix structure may have some

difficulty in achieving total control in departments where managers have superiority in their

departments. Some disadvantages of the matrix structure are that the managerial roles may not

always be clearly defined. Another disadvantage can be that the decision-making process may be

slowed down because decisions involve more than one manager. The final disadvantage is that

measuring employee performance is difficult. This means that giving performance reports can be

difficult because team members often have more than one role. (Indeed Career Guide, 2020)
Boundary Less Organization

Traditional organizations have vertical and horizontal borders as well as hierarchies, while

boundary-less organizations are defined by a lack of structures, with an approach of business that

is based on free flow information and ideas that encourage innovation. Boundaryless

Organizations often use the latest technology to enhance the fact that they are different from

regular businesses. Employees have more of a responsibility over their tasks and targets.

Employees also must be able to work with people from all back rounds as boundaryless

organizations can be located across geographic borders. (HR Zone.Org, n.d) An advantage of

this type of structure is that is has very little face to face time, which works well during the times

of social distancing and Covid-19. Another advantage is that employees working for

boundaryless organizations use technology to communicate and this means that they are very up

to date on technology. One last advantage of a boundaryless organization is that their working

hours are very flexible because each person works according to their targets and time zones. (HR

Zone.Org, n.d) Some disadvantages of this structure are that it can be time consuming in the

sense of having numerous meetings without a proper conclusion or having loyalty issues as

people in this workforce are often pushing their own agenda as they are working according to

their own pace. Another disadvantage is that this structure lacks complete control because it is

boundaryless, there is no way for one owner to control all employees that work for this

organization. (Organizing Unit, n.d)

Organizational Learning Environment

Organizational learning is a process where a business improves itself over time. The business

gains knowledge through gaining experience and then transfers such knowledge within the
business. This is important for the growth of the business. It is vital that the business creates a

learning culture for the individuals involved in the business. Some benefits of organizational

learning is that employees feel an increase in job satisfaction, businesses have lower turnover

rates, there is increased productivity, increased profit margins, develop leaders at every level,

and improves an employee’s adaptability throughout the organization. (Valamis.Org, 2019)

Which type of organization would I work for? If I could choose an organization to work for

considering the times that we are in currently, I would choose a boundaryless organization. I

believe that I work well on my own, I am able to set goals and targets and work at my own pace

to achieve them. I believe that as I am not a people person, this kind of organization would serve

me well as I will not have much face-to-face communication with people. I also like the idea of

engaging with people from different countries.

References

 The Economic Times (2021, March). Definition of Matrix Organization. Retrieved from:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/matrix-organization

 Indeed Career Guide (2020, November 24). 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of the

Matrix Organizational Structure. Retrieved from: https://www.indeed.com/career-

advice/career-development/matrix-organizational-structure

 HR Zone.Org (n.d). What is a Boundaryless Organization? Retrieved from:

https://www.hrzone.com/hr-glossary/what-is-a-boundaryless organization#:~:text=While

%20traditional%20organizational%20structures%20have,and%20growth%20in%20a

%20world
 Organizing Unit (n.d). Team Structures. Retrieved from:

https://582051organizingunit.weebly.com/team-structures-network-structures-and-

boundaryless-organizations.html

 Valamis.Org. (2019, February). Organizational Learning. Retrieved from:

https://www.valamis.com/hub/organizational-learning#what-is-organizational-learning