Organizational Behavior: A Comparison Between Projects in Matrix Organizations vs. Functional Organization

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Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

Declaration

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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Abstract

In this thesis we conducted research to compare two organizational structures that are Matrix organization structure and functional organization structure. For this thesis, we emphasized mainly on the case study and evaluated the results on the basis of the case study. This thesis was a combination of a research design and case study. A model was developed and contrasted with an organization structures which were functional organization teams and matrix organizational teams. We studied the effectiveness of these structures in organization level. Qualitative research was conducted to compare the conceptual model and twelve hypotheses with how members and leaders were perceiving dynamics to be performing within their respective functional organization team environment compare to matrix organization team. We concluded that the organizational structure began a shift away from functional units towards a matrix-like structure. There were now issues affecting the effectiveness and evolution of these cross-functional teams, impeding its potential to spread to middle and low management within the company, and gaining acceptance with a wider internal audience.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Problem Statement2

Purpose of the Study2

Rationale of the Study3

Research Questions4

Research Aim5

Scope and Significance of the Study5

Reliability and Validity5

Ethical Concerns6

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW7

Theoretical Framework10

Defining Organizational Structure10

Structure and Organization of Companies11

Importance of Structure to the Organization11

Organizational Behavior12

Analysis: Perspectives of Organizational Behavior13

Promotion of Organizational Behavior15

Organizational Behavior Management Models16

Evolutionary Approaches in Organizational Behavior18

The Organizational Structure of the Project22

Project Team22

Organizational Structure Model of the Project Team24

Project and Company24

Functional Organizational Structure25

Project-based Organizational Structure26

Matrix Organizational Structure27

Organizational Structure Alternatives of the Project27

Selection Criteria for Organizational Structure28

Influences of Organizational Structure in Project Development28

Matrix Structure29

Structural Advantages31

The Matrix Management Structure32

Authority of Project Managers in Matrix Organizations34

Matrix Organizations34

Weak Matrix Structure34

Strong Matrix Structure35

Balanced Matrix Structure35

Functional Organization35

By Product38

Advantages38

Disadvantages39

Barriers to Function of Organizational Teams39

Effectiveness of Organizational Operations42

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY44

Primary Research44

Assumptions of Qualitative Research45

Research Design45

Instrument46

Data Collection46

Data Analysis47

Nature of Data47

Secondary Research48

Case Study48

Development of the Hypotheses49

Research Design of the Survey50

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION52

Analysis of the Case Study: Northern Transpo Ltd52

Functional Teams at NTL53

Team Composition, Roles and Membership53

Issues of Functional Organization Teams at NTL54

Findings of the Research55

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS61

Team Charter Development61

Training for Leaders and Team Members61

Integration of Performance Appraisal with Functional Organization Team Contribution62

Increase Senior Management Buy-In62

Development of Inter-Team Communication Processes & Learning Opportunities63

Suggestions63

Re-energize the Customer Focus Orientation64

REFERENCES65

APPENDIX69

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The study of the structure on the one hand, and the study of human behavior in organizations on the other hand, should be integrated through a systematic study. It is remarkable the difference between behavior and structure, the structural aspects are static elements of ...