Life in a Matrix

This article on how ABB has used shared systems to integrate is various business units illustrates a simple point about coordination within complex businesses.

In a  matrix organization structure a lot of the complexity is caused by multiple reporting lines and the fact that people can be caught between multiple bosses and competing priorities – it is often the relationships and people dynamics that magnify the complexity.

In many areas we can get the benefits of coordination through sharing information, work-flows and common systems – supply chain would be a good example, without necessarily having a formal matrix structure.

We an help you choose the simplest structure that meets your objectives and develop the skills to make that structure work, find out more here