Question

In many ways, studying at university is analogous to working in a matrix environment in an organization. Explain the analogy. In what ways does a university student experience the advantages and disadvantages of a matrix organizational structure? Can you suggest any ways to better manage the system in the university to overcome some of the disadvantages?

Answer 1

A matrix organizational structure is where a person needs to report to more than one . They have managers above them and they need to report to every manager and then to the management. Universities also have similar situations where lecturers make students run around and report to every lecturer of their department failing which the student might face consequences. One lecturer would not agree with the opinion of the other and hence students need to satisfy every lecturer's requirements in their work . Hence studying at universities is exactly like working in a matrix organization. The major advantage is the effectiveness of the work that comes out after getting every opinion and the knowledge a student can gain while the disadvantage is that different opinions might confuse the students and also put heavy pressure on them . Lecturers need to work with unity and come up with common procedures so that students do not feel pressurised and can work on a single plan rather changing it for every lecturer which might help in reducing the disadvantages of this system .