More Related Content
Similar to How to be more effective in a functional or a matrix organization
How to be more effective in a functional or a matrix organization
- 1. The freshman softwaredevelopment manager ORGANIZATION DESIGN 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com
- 2. Organizational Design Patterns Overview of organizational design patterns • Organizations have the need to introduce structure and hierarchies at a certain size, to limit the number of communications that need to happen to get a certain task accomplished • Two major organizational patterns have emerged: • The functional organization • The matrix organization • Both organizational patterns come with their individual advantages and disdvantages • A number of techniques can help managers and leaders to be more effective within a particular organizational structure 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com
- 3. The functional organization Structure of a functional organization • Teams are structured along there primary area of expertise • Traditional way of organizing, often found in military and the public sector • Simple hierarchy, one-to- many relationship between managers and individual contributors 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com
- 4. The functional organization Advantages / Drawbacks Advantages Drawbacks Managers typically know their Tendency to build silo’s which in func5onal area turn decreases cross-‐team communica5on Team members share the same func5onal background Increased risk of finger-‐poin5ng Responsibili5es are clear and easy No single project ownership to understand Can become hard to navigate Task management and work assignment is straight forward 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com
- 5. The functional organization How to be more effective To be more effective … • Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with functional managers from other areas, knock down those walls between departments à Business lunch!!! • Invite teams from other functional areas to your stand-up meetings to keep the communication going • Plan joined team events with other functional areas • Watch your own communication style, avoid finger-pointing and blaming at all costs, use feedback to correct ineffective communication 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com
- 6. The matrix organization Structure of a matrix organization • Hierarchy is expressed in at least two dimensions • Often there are is a functional and a project / product / geographical hierarchy • Individual contributors have at least two direct managers, one functional and one project / content • Created to address the major shortcomings of typical functional organizations 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com
- 7. The matrix organization Advantages / Drawbacks Advantages Drawbacks Clear project ownership, typically a Risk of conflic5ng goals between project team is responsible for a the different managers in the matrix area / project / component Harder to establish common goals Cross-‐team communica5on is and standards encouraged Addi5onal managerial overhead Typically easier to navigate Much harder to establish effec5ve component ownership 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com
- 8. The matrix organization How to be more effective To be more effective … • Reserve some time in advance during one-on-one meetings with your team members to address issues arising from the matrix structure • Establish and maintain a good relationship with your peer matrix managers à Business lunch! • Coach your peer matrix managers on how to communicate effectively with your team members • Make sure your peer matrix managers are fully aware of the goals and objectives you set for your team, and how you plan to achieve them 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com
- 9. Thanks! Questions, remarksand suggestions at: HTTP://FRESHSWDM.BLOGSPOT.COM 2/9/12 http://freshswdm.wordpress.com