Understanding Matrix Structures and their Alternatives: The Key to Designing and Managing Large, Complex Organizations - Hardcover

Egelhoff, William G.; Wolf, Joachim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1137579749 ISBN 13: 9781137579744

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2017

Synopsis

This book describes the use of matrix structures in large, complex organizations such as MNCs. Using an information-processing perspective of organization design, it develops a more comprehensive theory for fitting the structural configurations of matrix structures to key characteristics of firm strategy. Empirical research by the authors supports this theoretical framework. In addition to structural configuration, Understanding Matrix Structures identifies and develops the mode of decision making within a matrix as an important second dimension of matrix structure design. It can be either balanced (joint) decision making by the two dimensions of a matrix or rule-based decision making, where rules pre-assign certain decisions to one dimension or the other for unitary decision making. Recent exploratory research by the authors supports this conceptual framework and provides the potential to create a more flexible matrix structure- one that facilitates a more ambidextrous organization.

About this title

About the Author

William G. Egelhoff is Professor Emeritus at Fordham University, USA.

Joachim Wolf is a Professor at University of Kiel, Germany, where he holds the Chair of Organization Theory and Design.

From the Back Cover

This book describes the use of matrix structures in large, complex organizations such as MNCs. Using an information-processing perspective of organization design, it develops a more comprehensive theory for fitting the structural configurations of matrix structures to key characteristics of firm strategy. Empirical research by the authors supports this theoretical framework. In addition to structural configuration, Understanding Matrix Structures identifies and develops the mode of decision making within a matrix as an important second dimension of matrix structure design. It can be either balanced (joint) decision making by the two dimensions of a matrix or rule-based decision making, where rules pre-assign certain decisions to one dimension or the other for unitary decision making. Recent exploratory research by the authors supports this conceptual framework and provides the potential to create a more flexible matrix structure- one that facilitates a more ambidextrous organization.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1137579749
• ISBN 13: 9781137579744
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 259