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 ...