Research Article
An economic analysis of matrix structure, using multinational corporations as an illustration
Article first published online: 21 DEC 1998
DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1468(199805)19:3<141::AID-MDE877>3.0.CO;2-D
Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Chi, T. and Nystrom, P. (1998), An economic analysis of matrix structure, using multinational corporations as an illustration. Manage. Decis. Econ., 19: 141–156. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1468(199805)19:3<141::AID-MDE877>3.0.CO;2-D
Publication History
- Issue published online: 21 DEC 1998
- Article first published online: 21 DEC 1998
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
This paper applies a comparative institutional perspective to the organizational design called matrix structure. After discussing the motivations for a multidimensional form of organization, the paper compares the transaction cost characteristics of the matrix (MX-form) structure with those of the well-known multidivisional (M-form) structure. This analysis reveals three advantages and three disadvantages of the matrix structure as well as two conditions affecting the efficacy of a matrix. Examples from multinational corporations are used throughout the paper to illustrate the analysis. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

1099-1468/asset/MDE_left.gif?v=1&s=3e8c36e0c3f1235e2fd2895bd135345c2e14ef49)
1099-1468/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=083f303f2ef1fa3282ed72b86a56b91026b531c1)