Abstract
Matrix organization management is a rather new concept of organization and management. Variations of traditional and project organizations have been utilized for centuries. However, the organization structure denoted by the term "matrix” has been recognized and documented only over the past two decades. Its development was greatly accelerated by the needs of the aerospace industry. Rapidly changing conditions in the business world in general have led to creation and use of new relationships to augment established organizational and management concepts. | Like many new concepts, the concept of matrix organization management has not been consistently understood. Consequently, it has been used verv appropriately in some situations and grossly misused in others. Some managers have hailed the matrix concept as a boon to mankind and the heir apparent to traditional organization structure. Managers at the other extreme feel that the matrix concept has been greatly overrated and is little more than a passing fad that creates more problems than it cures. | Educators and businessmen have written numerous articles on various aspects of matrix organization and management wherein conflicting and opposing statements and varying viewpoints have been expressed. Many of these efforts have tended to thoroughly muddy the water.