Matrix Organizational Structure Lesson Plan

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.4

Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11-12 texts and topics.

• Printed copies of the worksheet
• Activity directions (outline provided)

Optional:

• Begin by starting the video Matrix Organizational Structure: Advantages, Disadvantages & Examples, pausing at 0:25. Ask:
  • What is the definition of a matrix? Why does this organizational structure fit into the matrix definition?
  • Why might this matrix organizational structure be beneficial?
  • What might be some of its downfalls?
  • What might be the difference between a functional unit and a project?
• Continue watching the video to 1:14. Ask:
  • What do you think are the benefits of having a functional, geographic manager?
  • What do you think are the drawbacks of having a functional, geographic manager that is not the same as a project manager?
• Continue watching the video to 1:52. Ask:
  • What are some benefits of staffers or employees who have autonomy in their workplace?
  • What do you think are the disadvantages?
• Continue watching the video to 3:03. Ask:
  • Have you ever been in a situation where your bosses or managers had competing interests?
  • If so, how did you handle it?
• Watch the rest of the video and answer any remaining questions.
• Work through the provided worksheet with your students, modeling how to solve each problem. Include discussion on metacognitive skills and testing strategies as you think through each question.

• Break students into groups of two or three.
• Assign each group a specific company (choose fortune 500 companies so students are familiar with the types of services or goods they provide).
• Have students implement a matrix organizational structure within this organization by breaking the organization into its physical/geographic as well as product components.
• Have students answer the following questions:
  • What would the everyday life of a lower-level employee look like? How does the matrix organizational structure incentivize or disincentivize them to do their jobs?
  • What would the everyday life of a physical/geographic manager look like? How would they interact with the lower-level employees? How would they interact with project managers?
  • What would the everyday life of the project manager look like? How would they interact with the lower-level employees? How would they interact with physical/geographic managers?
  • What happens when there are competing interests for employees' time? Who wins or how is this determined?
• Have students come up with a recommendation for or against their company switching to a matrix organizational structure (some will find that it may be beneficial and some will find that there may be too many disadvantages, depending on the type of goods and services sold).
• Students will present their findings and arguments to the rest of the class.

• Have students research other organizational structures that may be more beneficial for their specific company.
• Have students debate for and against the matrix organizational structure.

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