Are matrix organisations like ships without a captain?
KRAUTHAMMER | London, UK

30-Jan-2008 » Training Press Releases » A recent Krauthammer study suggests that the matrix model exists in 85% of the European organisations. The survey further suggests that people agree it is a realistic way of running a business. However, many structural elements seem to be in serious need of attention. As it is, people appear to be navigating complexity without systematic, structural support. According to the survey, only four out of ten people (40%) believe that Human Resources (HR) policy creates supportive operating conditions, and only around half (48%) feel that employees are indeed empowered.

A matrix organisation creates challenges such as multiple reporting lines, total absence of formal hierarchical authority and the fact that employees are asked to focus on two or more factors at once. "At its worst, people are experiencing stress, lack of motivation and interference rather than facilitation from their managers. Harmful behaviour is often escaping management attention and communications channels are poorly identified", said Nick Girling, Krauthammer Senior Consultant and London Office Leader. "On the other hand our study shows that people do believe that the matrix is an inevitable feature of the modern organisation - allowing team-members to share information more easily across task boundaries - and that we can and must get to grips with it", he continued. "What we have experienced in our training is that for a matrix to be productive - roles, responsibilities, stakeholders and objectives must be clear. In addition to a right attitude of people - a matrix requires a mix of motivation, positive inner attitude, self-discipline and proactivity", he concluded.

The survey results showed the following dismaying results:
 34% believe HR policy is strategically aligned
 38% believe managers have time to identify and treat harmful behaviour
 42% believe the resources are channeled to the point of need
 44% believe decisions are made by those closest to operational reality

On the other hand,
 50% believe Management facilitates, rather than supervising
 53% believe the number of people dealing with an issue is kept manageable
 59% believe their team is good at self governing
 63% believe the objectives and strategies are clearly communicated

People's ideal matrix, and the conditions to make a matrix work, is characterised by mature, strong management, clarity in responsibilities, reporting lines, goals and communication, priority-setting and a participative attitude, the research suggests. In addition, as decisions are made without the direct imposition of a hierarchical superior, the ability of employees to convince and motivate peers and superiors is essential.

*VRB "Matrix Organisations" (originally published in 2006) www.krauthammer.com

About Krauthammer
Coaching, consulting and training company Krauthammer responds to client needs worldwide where strategic changes or operational improvements demand behaviour change at the individual, team and corporate levels. In addition to improving particular areas in organisational systems - building and sustaining a high performance organisation and implementing effective change.

Established in 1971, Krauthammer has around 220 consultants and employees, delivering services in over 50 countries, in 20 languages. International consistency and the ongoing professional development of the consultants are ensured by four annual Krauthammer University sessions where every consultant spends between 2 and 3 weeks per year.

www.krauthammer.com

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	Contact name:   KAROLIINA RASI-HEDBERG Contact e-mail:   karoliina_rasi-hedberg@krauthammer.com   Contact telephone:   +32 476 349 263 Web site:   http://www.krauthammer.com
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