Limits and Opportunities of a Matrix Organization

Book excerpt: This book investigates the functioning of contemporary matrix organizations based on a case study of a German leading commercial vehicle manufacturer. It creates a framework for research of matrix organizations and demonstrates empirically how a contemporary MNC can promote lateral coordination through the use of a matrix organization. The significant issues of decision-making and conflict in matrix structures, as well as the role of organizational cultures is analysed. The importance of boundary spanning as well as the boundary spanning skills needed and developed by a matrix organization have been identified. This work brings significant empirical understanding of matrix organizations thanks to a rich research field combined with a novel framework for analysis of matrix organizations.