When people talk about matrix organizations, different ideas come to mind. In the most straightforward sense, a matrix organization is when one individual formally reports to two or more managers (solid and dotted lines). We might also say that a matrix is one form (there are many) of organizational linking mechanisms that enable organizations to work across organizational boundaries. While many organizations have used a matrix structure with mixed success, the key to success is to mitigate the inherent risks of that type of organization.
