This activity is important because as organizations divide work into different units, we can detect patterns in the way departments are clustered and arranged. The three basic approaches to departmentalization are functional, divisional, and matrix. The goal of this activity is to consider these three types of structures, and identify each structure's strengths, weaknesses, and the environment to which it is most suited.

There are strengths and weaknesses that characterize each of the three types of structures, and each structure is particularly suited for a different type of environment. In a functional organization, jobs are specialized and grouped according to business functions. A divisional organization groups all functions into divisions. Each division may operate as a separate entity and work autonomously to accomplish organization goals. A matrix organization operates with an overlap of the functional and divisional forms.

Match the strengths and weaknesses to the corresponding type of structure.

$1$

Strength of the

Weakness of the

$3$

Strength of the

Weakness of the

Strength of the

Matrix Structure

Matrix Structure

Divisional Structure

Weakness of the

Divisional Structure

$5$

Functional Structure

$6$

Weakness of the

Functional Structure

Match each of the options above to the items below.

Opportunities for specialized training and in$-$depth skill development.

Coordination and integration between functions.

Can manage a wide variety of products, customers, and geographic regions.

Managers are generalists, not specialists.

Employees work together across departments and functions.

Confusion from having two bosses.