Drafting an Organizational Redesign from Hierarchical to Matrix Structure

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Unit III Project

This assignment measures your mastery of ULOs 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, and 3.2.

You are an executive in the chief executive officer’s or chief operating officer’s office in a large organization/corporation you have worked in or know about. After hearing the CEO’s guidance and COO’s advice, you have been entrusted with drafting a first cut of the organization’s redesign from a traditional hierarchical model that has functional departments, to a matrix structure and new team processes. In addition, they requested PowerPoint slides to include:

  1. Your concept for the new organizational design, and
  2. a draft process (e.g., steps) for an orderly transition to the new design that will minimize disruptions.

You are to choose an organization as described above (one that you know or know about) and write a document of at least five pages of the draft organization redesign. Ground your recommendations in the scholarly literature from the course readings and other sources (e.g., include citations to support your recommendations). Embed in the document:

  1. A sketch of the proposed new organization structure, and
  2. a PowerPoint slide (or two slides) of the proposed organization design process. It is recommended that you plan the document format to have one page consisting of the embedded slides, describing the design in the other four pages.

Be sure to address the following:

  • Explain why you are recommending transitioning from a hierarchical design (i.e., practical impact of weaknesses of functional and potential strengths of new design). Remember to provide citations from the course work/literature to support your arguments.
  • Discuss where a hierarchical structure still exists, anticipate potential vulnerabilities, and how these should be mitigated in your model.
  • Describe features of the revised personnel and rewards programs required to support your design change. Explain if the new design will/will not support remote work and why.
  • Show how this design leverages diversity among the organization’s members, in terms of their interconnectivity, performance, and the anticipated organizational culture.
  • Outline the possible design implementation processes and their advantages and disadvantages, concluding why your recommended one is the best choice.

Your completed project must be at least five pages in length, and you must use at least two academic sources, one of which must come from the CSU Online Library. Apply Level 1 and 2 headings in your project. Adhere to APA Style when formatting the written work, and in creating citations and references for this assignment.

The PowerPoint Basics tutorial from the CSU Writing Center is a helpful resource for creating your PowerPoint.

The How to Find Peer Reviewed Resources tutorial from the CSU Online Library is a great resource to help you get started with research.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Organizational Redesign Paper:

Step 1: Choose Your Organization

  • Select a large organization you are familiar with or can research thoroughly.

  • Include basic context: industry, size, structure, and current challenges.

Step 2: Research Hierarchical vs. Matrix Structures

  • Identify weaknesses of functional hierarchical structures:

    • Silos that reduce collaboration

    • Slow decision-making

    • Limited flexibility in cross-functional projects

  • Identify strengths of matrix structures:

    • Encourages cross-functional collaboration

    • Promotes flexibility and faster decision-making

    • Enhances skill development and communication

Step 3: Sketch the New Organization Structure

  • Create a simple diagram showing reporting lines, teams, and functional relationships in a matrix.

  • Label the chart with roles, teams, and any dotted-line reporting to reflect dual reporting relationships.

Step 4: Discuss Implementation and Transition

  • Outline a step-by-step transition plan:

    1. Communicate the vision to all employees

    2. Form cross-functional teams

    3. Redefine reporting structures

    4. Train managers and employees on matrix operations

    5. Introduce new performance evaluation metrics

    6. Monitor progress and adjust as needed

  • Create PowerPoint slides summarizing this process. Include visuals such as flowcharts or timelines.

Step 5: Address HR Programs and Remote Work

  • Update personnel policies: role definitions, reporting relationships, and responsibilities.

  • Update rewards programs: incentivize collaboration, team goals, and project success.

  • Discuss remote work: whether matrix teams can coordinate effectively virtually and tools needed for collaboration.

Step 6: Leverage Diversity and Culture

  • Show how matrix design supports interconnectivity, utilizes diverse skill sets, and fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture.

Step 7: Analyze Implementation Methods

  • Compare options (gradual rollout, pilot program, full implementation).

  • Discuss advantages/disadvantages of each.

  • Conclude with the recommended approach (e.g., phased implementation to reduce disruption).

Step 8: Organize Your Paper

  • Suggested structure:

    1. Introduction: Context and objectives

    2. Weaknesses of hierarchical design and rationale for matrix structure

    3. Proposed organizational design (include sketch and PowerPoint slides)

    4. Personnel, rewards, and remote work considerations

    5. Diversity, culture, and implementation strategy

    6. Conclusion: Summary and final recommendations

Step 9: Cite Sources and Format

  • Use APA style for citations and references.

  • Include at least two scholarly sources, one from CSU Online Library.

Step 10: Review and Submit

  • Proofread for clarity, grammar, and APA formatting.

  • Ensure all required elements are included: five pages, embedded slides, headings, citations.

  • Submit by the deadline in Word format with slides embedded.

Suggested Resources for Your Paper:

  1. Galbraith, J. R. (2009). Designing Matrix Organizations that Actually Work. Jossey-Bass.

  2. Daft, R. L. (2021). Organization Theory and Design. Cengage Learning.

  3. CSU Online Library: How to Find Peer Reviewed Resources

  4. CSU Writing Center: PowerPoint Basics Tutorial

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